Nilsen, P. (2015). Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks. Implementation Science, 10, Article 53. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-015-0242-0 (Paper)

In this paper, Dr. Per Nilsen offers a highly useful overview of the concepts of theories, models, and frameworks in D&I science, with key insights into how different types of TMFs serve different functions. Very brief introductions to some of the major TMFs are provided.

There are a plethora of theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) in implementation science, with TMFs serving multiple functions—some TMFs explain the role of context in impacting implementation, while other TMFs can help drive decisions around implementation strategies to be used and outcomes to be measured. Dr. Sarah Birken from Wake Forest University School of Medicine walks through how TMFs can help to define the determinants of implementation and then identify implementation strategies that can impact those determinants. Dr. Birken’s presentation begins at the 5:37 minute mark. (Video; 58 min)

Tabak, R. G., Khoong, E. C., Chambers, D. A., & Brownson, R. C. (2012). Bridging research and practice: Models for dissemination and implementation research. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(3), 337–350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.05.024 (Paper)

In this review, Dr. Rachel Tabak and colleagues provided one of the first efforts to document the myriad of theories, models, and frameworks in D&I science. Table 2 is particularly helpful in differentiating which TMFs are relevant to dissemination vs. implementation research.

Delivered as part of the 2023 D&I Short Course hosted by the University of Utah, Dr. J.D. Smith describes how the Implementation Research Logic Model (IRLM) can help researchers to integrate multiple frameworks that may be relevant for their work, such as implementation determinant frameworks, implementation strategies, implementation outcome frameworks. The IRLM can be helpful in both planning a study as well as executing your study and reporting its results. (Video; 71 min)

This interactive tool from the University of Colorado Denver helps researchers to work through a process of identifying a D&I theory, model, or framework (TMFs) to guide your research. Each step has downloadable worksheets to help you think through key issues related to selecting and utilizing a TMF. A particularly valuable resource is the extensive list of TMFs that can be filtered by key constructs in the field of D&I science (see “Select” page and “Explore D&I TMFs”).

With both paper and online versions, the T-CaST from the University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill can help a researcher to evaluate the fit between a theory, model or framework and their potential project. The T-CaST encourages researchers to evaluate multiple dimensions of fit which may be beneficial if a researcher is trying to decide between multiple TMFs.

Exploration Preparation Implementation Sustainment (EPIS) Framework Development and Adaptation (Video, 90 min).
Dr. Gregory Aarons from the University of California San Diego is the developer of the EPIS Framework, which is a major framework in implementation science. In this webinar from the 2021 D&I Short Course offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Aarons explains how EPIS helps researchers think about the phases in the implementation process, how different implementation strategies may be needed based on phase of the process, and how there are multi-level determinants of implementation success. Dr. Aaron’s presentation begins at the 15:30 minute mark and contains real world examples of EPIS being applied in research.

Advancing a conceptual model of evidence-based practice implementation in public service sectors
Aarons, G. A., Hurlburt, M., & Horwitz, S. M. (2011). Advancing a conceptual model of evidence-based practice implementation in public service sectors. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 38(1), 4–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-010-0327-7 (Paper)

This paper by Dr. Gregory Aarons and colleagues introduces the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework which examines multi-level factors that can impact the process of achieving long-term implementation.

Systematic review of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework
Moullin, J. C., Dickson, K. S., Stadnick, N. A., Rabin, B., & Aarons, G. A. (2019). Systematic review of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Implementation Science, 14, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-018-0842-6 (Paper)

Dr. Johanna Moullin and colleagues review 49 unique studies that have applied the EPIS framework, with attention to design features such as the number of EPIS phases studied as well as the inclusion of inner context, outer context, and innovation factors.

Practical Application of an Implementation Framework Data Collection and Analysis (Video; 89 min)
Dr. Laura Damschroder from the Department of Veterans Affairs has led the development of the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR) which is one of the most influential frameworks in implementation science. In this webinar from the 2020 D&I Short Course offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Damschoder describes the use of the CFIR, including its use for data collection and analysis, in understanding how context impacts the implementation process. Dr. Damschroder’s presentation begins at the 16:30 minute mark.

Fostering implementation of health services research findings into practice: a consolidated framework for advancing implementation science
Damschroder, L. J., Aron, D. C., Keith, R. E., Kirsh, S. R., Alexander, J. A., & Lowery, J. C. (2009). Fostering implementation of health services research findings into practice: A consolidated framework for advancing implementation science. Implementation Science, 4, Article 50. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-4-50 (Paper)

This seminal article by Dr. Laura Damschroder and colleagues collated key features of numerous theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) into what has become known as the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 1.0). Although Damschoder et al. have published a CFIR 2.0, this foundational article should be read before the more recent CFIR 2.0 paper.

The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research based on user feedback
Damschroder, L. J., Reardon, C. M., Opra Widerquist, M. A., & Lowery, J. (2022). The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research based on user feedback. Implementation Science, 17, Article 75. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-022-01245-0 (Paper)

Based on feedback from the field, Dr. Laura Damschroder and colleagues have made a number of updates to CFIR in what is often referred to as CFIR 2.0. This framework continues to exert a major impact on the field.

Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: the RE-AIM framework 
Glasgow, R. E., Vogt, T. M., & Boles, S. M. (1999). Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: The RE‑AIM framework. American Journal of Public Health, 89(9), 1322–1327. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.89.9.1322 (Paper)

RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) is a popular framework developed by Dr. Russell Glasgow and colleagues for measuring implementation outcomes. This seminal paper describes key features of this framework in a concise way.

RE-AIM Planning and Evaluation Framework: Adapting to New Science and Practice With a 20-Year Review
Glasgow, R. E., Harden, S. M., Gaglio, B., Rabin, B., Smith, M. L., Porter, G. C., Ory, M. G., & Estabrooks, P. A. (2019). RE‑AIM planning and evaluation framework: Adapting to new science and practice with a 20‑year review. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, Article 64. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00064  (Paper)

In this review, Dr. Russell Glasgow consider the impact of the RE-AIM outcomes framework (and to a lesser extent, the PRISM determinants framework; see below) across 20 years of implementation research. This review points to important directions for future research using RE-AIM.

A practical, robust implementation and sustainability model (PRISM) for integrating research findings into practice 
Feldstein, A. C., & Glasgow, R. E. (2008). A practical, robust implementation and sustainability model (PRISM) for integrating research findings into practice. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 34(4), 228–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1553-7250(08)34030-6 (Paper)

Although the RE-AIM outcomes framework is perhaps more well known, Dr. Adrianne Feldstein and Dr. Russell Glasgow also developed a determinants framework called PRISM which identifies how the characteristics and perspectives of innovation recipients, organizational staff, and external constituents can impact the implementation process.