title: A process for developing an implementation intervention: QUERI Series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This article describes the process used by the authors in developing an implementation intervention to assist VA substance use disorder clinics in adopting guideline-based practices for treating depression. This article is one in a Series of articles documenting implementation science frameworks and tools developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI).
  
  
  METHODS
  The process involves two steps: 1) diagnosis of site-specific implementation needs, barriers, and facilitators (i.e., formative evaluation); and 2) the use of multi-disciplinary teams of local staff, implementation experts, and clinical experts to interpret diagnostic data and develop site-specific interventions. In the current project, data were collected via observations of program activities and key informant interviews with clinic staff and patients. The assessment investigated a wide range of macro- and micro-level determinants of organizational and provider behavior.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implementation development process described here is presented as an optional method (or series of steps) to consider when designing a small scale, multi-site implementation study. The process grew from an evidence-based quality improvement strategy developed for - and proven efficacious in - primary care settings. The authors are currently studying the efficacy of the process across a spectrum of specialty care treatment settings.
authors: Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. currangeoffreym@uams.edu
authors: Geoffrey M
authors: GM
authors: Curran
authors: Snigda
authors: S
authors: Mukherjee
authors: Elise
authors: E
authors: Allee
authors: Richard R
authors: RR
authors: Owen