Implementation of the JOIN for ME Program for Families from Low-Income Backgrounds: The Use of Theory-Driven Formative Evaluation: Rhode Island CORD 3.0

Abstract

Advances have been made in the development of effective interventions to address pediatric obesity; however, research findings often do not translate into clinical practice and a limited number of programs have been designed toward wide-spread dissemination and implementation. The Rhode Island (RI)-Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) 3.0 Project involves adapting and testing an evidence-based pediatric weight management intervention (PWMI), JOIN for ME, for wide-scale dissemination and implementation in communities with a high proportion of families from low-income backgrounds. In this article, we describe the robust developmental formative evaluation (FE) process employed by RI-CORD as a model for the use of FE to drive dissemination of evidence-based PWMIs. The current project was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Proctor Implementation Outcomes. This article also showcases examples of how the use of key informant interviews from engaged stakeholders in the community during a developmental FE process can drive selection of implementation strategies. The use of FE, driven by evidence-based theory, can help provide a roadmap to successful implementation of a pediatric weight management program, such as JOIN for ME.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04647760.

Keywords: dissemination; formative evaluation; implementation; pediatric obesity; pediatric weight management intervention.

Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Jelalian is a consultant for Weight Watchers International. Weight Watchers has not provided financial support for this study, nor did it have any influence on the methods in this study. All other authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.

CFIR. The CFIR contains a number of constructs across five domains to consider when assessing the climate for implementation of an evidence-based intervention. CFIR, Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Figure 2.

Proctor implementations outcomes framework. Proctor's implementation outcomes framework includes eight implementation outcomes that are conceptually different than previously identified service and patient outcomes.