Introduction to Implementation Science (IS) and IS Data Sources

Welcome to module 1. In this module, we will learn basic implementation science (IS) theory and terminology. You will also learn about public health surveillance and other data sources that can be used in IS research.
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Learning Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  • Describe why implementation science is a useful discipline;
  • Differentiate implementation science from standard clinical research;
  • Describe key implementation science terminology, including implementation strategies and implementation outcomes;
  • Recognize the value of core information systems in monitoring diseases and health programs in developing countries; and
  • Identify barriers to implementing health information systems.

Video: Introduction to IS Frameworks and Terminology (35 minutes)

Welcome to the lecture, "Introduction to Implementation Science frameworks and terminology."

Downloads: Video (90 MB), Audio (16MB), Transcript

Video: Data Sources & Quality for Implementation Science
(35 minutes)

Welcome to the lecture titled "Data Sources and Quality for Implementation Science: Opportunities and Complexity."

Downloads: Video (86MB), Audio (16MB), Transcript

Video: Using Routine Data Systems to Bridge the Know-Do Gap
(11 minutes)

Welcome to the case study, "Using Routine Data Systems to Bridge the Know-Do Gap and Improve Implementation", presented by Dr. Nancy Puttkammer from the University of Washington – Department of Global Health. This case study highlights how routine data can be used to understand the know-do gap, and how health information systems interventions can improve implementation.

Downloads: Video (30 MB), Audio (5 MB), Transcript

Reading: Implementation Research (30 minutes)

Please read pages 1-7 of "Implementation Research: What It Is and How to Do It."

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As you read through the article, self-reflect with the following questions:

  • Why do you think implementation science is important in global public health? What sets implementation science apart from other disciplines?
  • How does implementation science attempt to improve the translation from “basic discovery” to scale-up and larger-scale application to achieve public health benefits?
  • What are some examples of priority implementation science questions, outcomes, or projects in your country or work setting?

Source: Peters DH, Adam T, Alonge O, et al. Implementation research: what it is and how to do it. Br J Sports Med 2014;48:731–736.

Reading: Disease Control Priorities (60 minutes)

Please read the following excerpts from Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries:

As you read through the articles, self-reflect with the following questions:

  • Why is surveillance seen as an essential function of a public health system?
  • How can surveillance improve public health?
  • What are the essential components of a surveillance system?
  • How do health information systems (HIS) relate to public health surveillance and decision making?
  • What are some examples of surveillance indicators of interest to you or decision-makers in your setting?

Source: Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press and The World Bank, 2006. 

Quiz

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Assignment: Baseline Project Selection (60 minutes)

Please complete the following assignment, which is due at the end of Module 1.

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Optional Readings 

The following is a list of related optional resources that may be of interest to you. You can download, review, and save these resources for future reference: