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Table 1 Five categories of theories, models and frameworks used in implementation science

From: The use of implementation science theoretical approaches in hybrid effectiveness-implementation type 1 randomised trials of healthcare interventions: A scoping review

Category

Description

Process models

They specify steps (stages, phases) in the process of translating research into practice, including the implementation and use of research

Determinant frameworks

They specify types of determinants and individual determinants, which act as barriers and enablers that influence implementation outcomes

Classic theories

Theories that originate from fields external to implementation science, which can be applied to provide understanding and/or explanation of aspects of implementation

Implementation theories

Theories that have been developed by implementation researchers to provide understanding and/or explanation of aspects of implementation

Evaluation frameworks

They specify aspects of implementation that could be evaluated to determine implementation success

  1. Table adapted from Nilsen [4]