Key concepts in dissemination and implementation research and practice
Concept | Definition | Key citation(s) |
---|---|---|
Evidence-based intervention | An activity (including programmes, policies, technologies, services, etc) that shows efficacy and/or effectiveness in the prevention, early detection, or treatment of diseases or related health conditions | 32 |
Dissemination | The active process of spreading or sharing EBIs to a target population through determined channels and using planned strategies | 32 34 |
Dissemination research | The scientific study of the methods to promote or tailor the spread of knowledge to various stakeholders | 32 34 |
Implementation | The active process of using strategies across multiple levels of change to translate EBIs into practice and prompt corresponding behaviour change in a target population | 33 35 36 |
Implementation research | The scientific study of methods to promote the systematic translation of EBIs into routine practice | 33 |
Knowledge translation | The dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination and implementation of knowledge | 34 |
Scale-up | A deliberate effort to increase the impact of an EBI that has been successfully implemented in pilot projects, and with the purpose of benefiting a large number of people and to foster policy for its sustainment | 32 |
Maintenance (sustainment) | The continued use of an EBI; an extension of adherence | 37–39 |
Fidelity | The extent to which an intervention is delivered as planned | 40 |
Adherence | The extent to which an individual’s behaviour corresponds with agreed recommendations from a (healthcare) practitioner or EBI developer; a fundamental implementation outcome and an EBI success indicator | 41–44 |
Adaptation (modification) | The process by which changes are made to an EBI and/or its delivery method to better fit a given implementation context | 39 45 |
Diffusion | Spread of new interventions in ‘passive, untargeted, unplanned and uncontrolled’ ways | 32 |
Mis-implementation | The discontinuation of effective interventions and/or the continuation of ineffective interventions | 32 |
De-implementation | The termination of interventions/practices that are ineffective and possibly harmful | 32 |
Attrition | Disengagement or drop-out from an EBI, particularly in terms of intervention non-use | 29 |
D&I models (frameworks) | Conceptual and organised combination of theories necessary to guide the planning and evaluation of EBIs and D&I strategies | 38 44 46–50 |
Items in parentheses indicate alternative terminology. Key citations are a sample of references for definitions and concepts.
D&I, dissemination and implementation; EBI, evidence-based intervention.