Outcomes for implementation research: Conceptual distinctions, measurement challenges, and research agenda

Enola Proctor, Hiie Silmere, Ramesh Raghavan, Peter Hovmand, Greg Aarons, Alicia Bunger, Richard Griffey, Melissa Hensley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)65-76
Number of pages12
JournalAdministration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
Volume38
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Evaluation
  • Implementation
  • Outcomes
  • Research methods

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Phychiatric Mental Health
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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