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Tool for evaluating research implementation challenges: a sense-making protocol for addressing implementation challenges in complex research settings.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Simpson, KM; Porter, K; McConnell, ES; Colón-Emeric, C; Daily, KA; Stalzer, A; Anderson, RA
Published in: Implement Sci
January 2, 2013

BACKGROUND: Many challenges arise in complex organizational interventions that threaten research integrity. This article describes a Tool for Evaluating Research Implementation Challenges (TECH), developed using a complexity science framework to assist research teams in assessing and managing these challenges. METHODS: During the implementation of a multi-site, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of organizational interventions to reduce resident falls in eight nursing homes, we inductively developed, and later codified the TECH. The TECH was developed through processes that emerged from interactions among research team members and nursing home staff participants, including a purposive use of complexity science principles. RESULTS: The TECH provided a structure to assess challenges systematically, consider their potential impact on intervention feasibility and fidelity, and determine actions to take. We codified the process into an algorithm that can be adopted or adapted for other research projects. We present selected examples of the use of the TECH that are relevant to many complex interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Complexity theory provides a useful lens through which research procedures can be developed to address implementation challenges that emerge from complex organizations and research designs. Sense-making is a group process in which diverse members interpret challenges when available information is ambiguous; the groups' interpretations provide cues for taking action. Sense-making facilitates the creation of safe environments for generating innovative solutions that balance research integrity and practical issues. The challenges encountered during implementation of complex interventions are often unpredictable; however, adoption of a systematic process will allow investigators to address them in a consistent yet flexible manner, protecting fidelity. Research integrity is also protected by allowing for appropriate adaptations to intervention protocols that preserve the feasibility of 'real world' interventions.

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Published In

Implement Sci

DOI

EISSN

1748-5908

Publication Date

January 2, 2013

Volume

8

Start / End Page

2

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Research Design
  • Quality Improvement
  • Pilot Projects
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Nursing Staff
  • Nursing Homes
  • Inservice Training
  • Humans
  • Health Policy & Services
  • Group Processes
 

Citation

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Simpson, K. M., Porter, K., McConnell, E. S., Colón-Emeric, C., Daily, K. A., Stalzer, A., & Anderson, R. A. (2013). Tool for evaluating research implementation challenges: a sense-making protocol for addressing implementation challenges in complex research settings. Implement Sci, 8, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-8-2
Simpson, Kelly M., Kristie Porter, Eleanor S. McConnell, Cathleen Colón-Emeric, Kathryn A. Daily, Alyson Stalzer, and Ruth A. Anderson. “Tool for evaluating research implementation challenges: a sense-making protocol for addressing implementation challenges in complex research settings.Implement Sci 8 (January 2, 2013): 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-8-2.
Simpson KM, Porter K, McConnell ES, Colón-Emeric C, Daily KA, Stalzer A, et al. Tool for evaluating research implementation challenges: a sense-making protocol for addressing implementation challenges in complex research settings. Implement Sci. 2013 Jan 2;8:2.
Simpson, Kelly M., et al. “Tool for evaluating research implementation challenges: a sense-making protocol for addressing implementation challenges in complex research settings.Implement Sci, vol. 8, Jan. 2013, p. 2. Pubmed, doi:10.1186/1748-5908-8-2.
Simpson KM, Porter K, McConnell ES, Colón-Emeric C, Daily KA, Stalzer A, Anderson RA. Tool for evaluating research implementation challenges: a sense-making protocol for addressing implementation challenges in complex research settings. Implement Sci. 2013 Jan 2;8:2.
Journal cover image

Published In

Implement Sci

DOI

EISSN

1748-5908

Publication Date

January 2, 2013

Volume

8

Start / End Page

2

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Research Design
  • Quality Improvement
  • Pilot Projects
  • Organizational Innovation
  • Nursing Staff
  • Nursing Homes
  • Inservice Training
  • Humans
  • Health Policy & Services
  • Group Processes