Applied methods for matching implementation strategies to determinants: a scoping review of scientific and grey literature, and qualitative exploration of practice experiences

Implementation Science, vol. 21, pp. 14

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tailored implementation addresses the inherent dynamic complexity and heterogeneous nature of implementation practice. In general, tailored implementation involves setting implementation objectives, identifying determinants, matching strategies to those determinants, and developing an evaluation plan. How matching a specific implementation strategy to a determinant is done remains largely unknown. This study aimed to provide an overview of methods for matching strategies that have been applied in research and practice. METHODS: A scoping review of scientific and grey literature was conducted. A Rapid Assessment Procedure approach guided the design and analysis. Five online scientific bibliographic databases and various Dutch websites were searched for scientific and grey literature reporting applied methods for matching strategies to determinants. In addition, fifteen implementation practitioners in the Netherlands were interviewed to gain insights into how matching is conducted in daily practice. Findings were iteratively triangulated. RESULTS: Fifty-eight scientific articles and ten grey literature documents were included in the review. All identified methods for matching implementation strategies followed a stepped approach and recommended involving both implementation experts and stakeholders at various stages. Almost all methods were based on existing theories, models, and frameworks, such as Intervention Mapping, Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change, and Behaviour Change Wheel. Nevertheless, detailed instructions for matching strategies to determinants were lacking. Similarly, guidance on identifying and involving stakeholders remained superficial. Interviews indicated that in practice, strategy matching is generally based on previous experience and is non-systematic. CONCLUSIONS: Various methods for matching implementation strategies to determinants are reported in literature and used in practice. However, specific and detailed instructions for matching remain lacking. Methods that balance specificity, flexibility, and pragmatism are needed.

Authors 6

1. Christiaan Vis corresponding

   Haukeland University Hospital · Amsterdam Public Health · Amsterdam University Medical Centers · Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, APH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.d.c.vis@amsterdamumc.nl

   Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.d.c.vis@amsterdamumc.nl

   Research Centre for Digital Mental Health Services, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. p.d.c.vis@amsterdamumc.nl

   Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, APH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

   Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2. Leti van Bodegom‐Vos Aachen Department of Biomedical Data Sciences Section Medical Decision Making

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Section Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands

3. Bethany Hipple Walters

   Trimbos Institute

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Implementation, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands

4. Byron J. Powell

   Washington University in St. Louis

   Affiliation as printed

   Center for Mental Health Services Research, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA

   Dissemination and Implementation Science Innovation Research Network, School of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA

   Division of Infectious Diseases, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA

5. Erwin Ista

   Erasmus MC · Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital · Erasmus University Rotterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nursing Science, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

   Department of Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

6. Femke van Nassau

   Amsterdam Public Health · Amsterdam University Medical Centers · Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, APH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

   Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands