Factors influencing implementation of evidence-based interventions in public health systems - a model

Abstract

Objectives: Evidence that health interventions work is not enough to ensure implementation into policy and practice. The complexity of public health systems requires more diverse actions. This paper proposes a conceptual model to enhance understanding of interlinking factors that influence the evidence implementation process.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to explore factors that influence the process of evidence implementation in complex public health systems, including research findings and observations from 32 case studies of injury prevention interventions underway in 24 countries and results from evidence research networks. Concepts and themes identified through a critical review were organised, ordered and interlinked to build the model.

Results: An Evidence Implementation Model for Public Health Systems and four concepts or themes: Evidence implementation target; Actors involved in implementation; Knowledge transfer; and Barriers and facilitators to evidence implementation were developed to provide a simplified, yet broad framework that highlights multiple factors and back and forth inter-linkages within and between the concepts that influence the uptake of evidence into public health systems policy and practice.

Conclusions: Understanding the factors discussed within and amongst the four concepts of this model should ultimately help to positively influence the uptake of evidence into real world public health systems. This model has relevance for decision makers, researchers, knowledge brokers, and implementers.

Keywords: decision-making; evidence; implementation; knowledge transfer; public health systems.