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DECISION POINT 2 OF 7
Choose Theories, Models, and Frameworks
Select conceptual tools such as CFIR, RE-AIM, EPIS, or other models to guide the study.
1. What decision am I making?
You are deciding which theoretical approach will guide your study. Theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) provide a systematic way to understand the factors that influence implementation success. You must decide whether you need an explanatory theory (to explain why something works), a process model (to guide the steps of implementation), or a determinant framework (to identify barriers and facilitators).
2. Why this decision matters
Selecting the right TMF is foundational. It ensures you are measuring the right variables, selecting appropriate implementation strategies, and communicating your findings in a way that builds generalizable knowledge. Without a clear framework, studies often result in disconnected findings that cannot be compared with other research.
3. Key questions to ask
- Am I trying to describe a process, understand determinants (barriers/facilitators), or evaluate outcomes?
- Does the framework align with the level of my intervention (e.g., individual, organizational, policy)?
- Has this framework been used successfully in my field or setting before?
Recommended Resources
Starting Resources
| Resource | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UW Frameworks Overview | Article | A beginner-friendly overview of the three main types of frameworks in implementation science. |
| Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks | Article | Nilsen's highly cited 2015 paper categorizing TMFs in implementation science. |
Deeper-Dive Frameworks
| Resource | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CFIR Guide | Website | Comprehensive guide to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. |
| RE-AIM Framework | Website | Resources for using RE-AIM for planning and evaluation. |
| NICHD D&I Framework Compendium | Compendium | A searchable database of over 100 frameworks used in health research. |
When to Request a Consultation
You should consider reaching out to our Implementation Science team if you:
- Are struggling to choose between two similar frameworks.
- Need help adapting a framework to a novel setting or population.
- Want to combine a clinical theory with an implementation framework.
Request an Implementation Science Consultation →