This article is part of a series on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), edited by (Internal Series) Cheryl B Stetler, Brian S Mittman, Joseph Francis. (Journal Series) Martin P Eccles, Ian Graham .

Methodology

A process for developing an implementation intervention: QUERI Series

Geoffrey M Curran , Snigda Mukherjee , Elise Allee and Richard R Owen

Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

author email corresponding author email

Implementation Science 2008, 3:17doi:10.1186/1748-5908-3-17

Published:	19 March 2008

Abstract

Background

This article describes the process used by the authors in developing an implementation intervention to assist VA substance use disorder clinics in adopting guideline-based practices for treating depression. This article is one in a Series of articles documenting implementation science frameworks and tools developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI).

Methods

The process involves two steps: 1) diagnosis of site-specific implementation needs, barriers, and facilitators (i.e., formative evaluation); and 2) the use of multi-disciplinary teams of local staff, implementation experts, and clinical experts to interpret diagnostic data and develop site-specific interventions. In the current project, data were collected via observations of program activities and key informant interviews with clinic staff and patients. The assessment investigated a wide range of macro- and micro-level determinants of organizational and provider behavior.

Conclusion

The implementation development process described here is presented as an optional method (or series of steps) to consider when designing a small scale, multi-site implementation study. The process grew from an evidence-based quality improvement strategy developed for – and proven efficacious in – primary care settings. The authors are currently studying the efficacy of the process across a spectrum of specialty care treatment settings.