title: Improving the replication success of evidence-based interventions: why a preimplementation phase matters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Careful scrutiny of the literature reveals that the preimplementation phase is often overlooked by researchers interested in understanding the portability of evidence-based interventions to other settings. In this paper we document the importance of preimplementation and the planning year in enabling adopters to identify and resolve potential implementation barriers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Roger's diffusion of innovation theory and tenets of technology transfer models are the heuristic frameworks used to guide the analysis of the preimplementation phase of an abstinence replication study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The planning year allowed for the securing and consolidation of stakeholder support; preparing the organization for implementation; redressing issues with the intervention packet; responding to the cultural norms of the adopting community; fine tuning the training approach and addressing emergent challenges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preimplementation provides adopters with opportunities to test the intervention before full implementation; and to identify and address potential threats to successful adoption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Leadership Management & Policy, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey; Sametric Research, Princeton, New Jersey. Electronic address: Elaine.walker@shu.edu.
authors.forename: Elaine M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.affiliation: Program Reach, Inc., Bronx, New York.
authors.forename: Mercy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mwaria
authors.affiliation: Program Reach, Inc., Bronx, New York.
authors.forename: Nanci
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Health Sciences & Practice, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
authors.forename: ChiaChing
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012746:Sexual Abstinence; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Evidence-based intervention; Preimplementation; Replication; Teen pregnancy prevention