Methods to Improve the Selection and Tailoring of Implementation Strategies

Abstract

Implementing behavioral health interventions is a complicated process. It has been suggested that implementation strategies should be selected and tailored to address the contextual needs of a given change effort; however, there is limited guidance as to how to do this. This article proposes four methods (concept mapping, group model building, conjoint analysis, and intervention mapping) that could be used to match implementation strategies to identified barriers and facilitators for a particular evidence-based practice or process change being implemented in a given setting. Each method is reviewed, examples of their use are provided, and their strengths and weaknesses are discussed. The discussion includes suggestions for future research pertaining to implementation strategies and highlights these methods' relevance to behavioral health services and research.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1. Policy stakeholder cluster rating map

Figure 2. Main feedback loops in an implementation model

Figure 3. Example item from a study using conjoint analysis

Figure 4. Example matrix of determinants, learning objectives, theory-based methods, and implementation strategies