The guided understanding of implementation, development & education (GUIDE): a tool for implementation science instruction.

Abstract

Background: The use of implementation science in health research continues to increase, generating interest amongst those new to the field. However, conventional biomedical and health services research training does not necessarily equip scholars to incorporate theory-driven implementation science into their projects. Those new to IS may therefore struggle to apply abstract concepts from theory to their own work. In our teaching, we addressed this challenge by creating a practical teaching tool based on lessons from implementation mapping and the implementation research logic model (IRLM).

The guide: The tool is inspired by implementation mapping, the Implementation Research Logic Model, the ERIC implementation strategies, and Proctor's Outcomes Framework amongst other innumerable lessons from our experience as implementation scientists. We included sections to prompt learners to articulate the evidence-based practice of interest (including core and adaptable components) and the evidence-practice gap. The Guided Understanding of Implementation, Development & Education-GUIDE-and its corresponding prompts may provide a useful teaching tool to guide new users on incorporating implementation science into their evaluations. It also may help instructors illustrate how related implementation science concepts relate to each other over successive lessons or class sessions.

Conclusion: This tool was developed from our experiences in teaching implementation science courses and consultation with new users in conjunction with common practices in the field including implementation mapping and the IRLM.