Effectiveness-implementation hybrid designs: combining elements of clinical effectiveness and implementation research to enhance public health impact

Med Care. 2012 Mar;50(3):217-26. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e3182408812.

Abstract

Objectives: This study proposes methods for blending design components of clinical effectiveness and implementation research. Such blending can provide benefits over pursuing these lines of research independently; for example, more rapid translational gains, more effective implementation strategies, and more useful information for decision makers. This study proposes a "hybrid effectiveness-implementation" typology, describes a rationale for their use, outlines the design decisions that must be faced, and provides several real-world examples.

Results: An effectiveness-implementation hybrid design is one that takes a dual focus a priori in assessing clinical effectiveness and implementation. We propose 3 hybrid types: (1) testing effects of a clinical intervention on relevant outcomes while observing and gathering information on implementation; (2) dual testing of clinical and implementation interventions/strategies; and (3) testing of an implementation strategy while observing and gathering information on the clinical intervention's impact on relevant outcomes.

Conclusions: The hybrid typology proposed herein must be considered a construct still in evolution. Although traditional clinical effectiveness and implementation trials are likely to remain the most common approach to moving a clinical intervention through from efficacy research to public health impact, judicious use of the proposed hybrid designs could speed the translation of research findings into routine practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Comparative Effectiveness Research / methods
  • Health Services Research / methods*
  • Humans
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / methods
  • Public Health*
  • Research Design
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / methods
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs