Recognizing that the skills and knowledge needed for successful implementation research are evolving, we aim to teach both the current leading edge of thinking, as well as highlight areas of controversy and evolution. We will also draw broadly from perspectives in social and behavioral sciences such as economics and sociology where they are relevant to implementing the public health response to infectious diseases. Trainees will develop a foundation for future self-directed and life long learning in implementation research.
Critical initial concepts include, but are not limited to:
- Defining evidence-based interventions (as well as calling attention to shortcomings with prevailing methods of evidence appraisal
- Conceptualize and specify key dimensions of an implementation strategy
- Understand, identify and conceptualized implementation outcomes
- Apply theories and frameworks from both implementation research and prominent ideas from
- Basic elements of research designs that speak to implementation issues
- The state of the art in terms of measurement of constructs in implementation research
- The role of implementation research in promoting anti-racism and health equity
We also aim to cover:
- Adaptation, fidelity and their relationship
- Qualitative, mixed methods, and quantitative approaches to context
- Emerging perspectives on external validity and mechanisms
- Intermediate and more advanced considerations in study design
- Comparing, selecting, and combining theories and frameworks
- Design of strategies and interventions
- Methodological issues around measurement in implementation research
- Critiques of prevailing perspectives in implementation research