Table 1 Introduction to implementation science terms
Term | Refers to | Example(s) |
|---|---|---|
Implementation science | The scientific study of methods for integrating evidence-based practices into routine care. | – |
Implementation strategies | Approaches used to assist with integration of the innovation. | • Educational outreach visits • Audit and feedback • Revision of professional roles |
Implementation tools | Products that assist with the implementation of the intervention | • Comprehensive toolkits • Decision-trees for choosing amongst several treatments |
Intervention | Selected implementation strategies and/or tools that may be used independently or in combination to support integration of evidence-based practices. | • Staff training • Providing clinical supervision • Providing technical assistance |
Innovation | The evidence-based practices being implemented. | • Mental health screening • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy |
Formative evaluation | Systematic assessments used to obtain knowledge of factors that may affect implementation. | • Stakeholder interviews or focus groups • Needs assessment survey • Observation |
Factors | Barriers and facilitators (i.e., determinants of practice) | • Intervention cost • Available resources • Leadership engagement • Individual knowledge and beliefs about the intervention |