Updating, employing, and adapting: a commentary on What does it mean to "employ" the RE-AIM model

Abstract

The Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) model was developed to improve the likelihood of translating health promotion intervention research into practice. In their evaluation of grant proposals focusing on the dissemination and implementation, Kessler and colleagues (2012) proposed a method for evaluating the degree to which RE-AIM was "fully employed" across proposals. The article includes excellent operational definitions and important additions related to the use of qualitative and cost data. However, in our review of the article, we identified a number of areas that would benefit from further consideration. Specifically, we provide additional recommendations related to the employment of the model across different trial types, the need to focus on cost across RE-AIM dimensions, and the use of qualitative data.