Outcomes for implementation research: conceptual distinctions, measurement challenges, and research agenda.
An unresolved issue in the field of implementation research is how to conceptualize and evaluate successful implementation. This paper advances the concept of "implementation outcomes" distinct from service system and clinical treatment outcomes. This paper proposes a heuristic, working "taxonomy" of eight conceptually distinct implementation outcomes-acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, implementation cost, penetration, and sustainability-along with their nominal definitions. We propose a two-pronged agenda for research on implementation outcomes. Conceptualizing and measuring implementation outcomes will advance understanding of implementation processes, enhance efficiency in implementation research, and pave the way for studies of the comparative effectiveness of implementation strategies.
Proctor
Enola
E
George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. ekp@wustl.edu
Silmere
Hiie
H
Raghavan
Ramesh
R
Hovmand
Peter
P
Aarons
Greg
G
Bunger
Alicia
A
Griffey
Richard
R
Hensley
Melissa
M
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration