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. 2022 Jun 13:2:41.
doi: 10.3310/nihropenres.13269.1.

Translational framework for implementation evaluation and research: Protocol for a qualitative systematic review of studies informed by Normalization Process Theory (NPT) [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Carl R May  1   2 , Bianca Albers  3 , Laura Desveaux  4 , Tracy L Finch  5   6 , Anthony Gilbert  2   7 , Alyson Hillis  1   2 , Melissa Girling  5   6 , Roman Kislov  8   9 , Anne MacFarlane  10 , Frances S Mair  11 , Christine M May  12 , Elizabeth Murray  2   13 , Sebastian Potthoff  6   14 , Tim Rapley  6   14
Affiliations

Translational framework for implementation evaluation and research: Protocol for a qualitative systematic review of studies informed by Normalization Process Theory (NPT) [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Carl R May et al. NIHR Open Res. .

Abstract

Background: Normalization Process Theory (NPT) identifies mechanisms that have been demonstrated to play an important role in implementation processes. It is now widely used to inform feasibility, process evaluation, and implementation studies in healthcare and other areas of work. This qualitative synthesis of NPT studies aims to better understand how NPT explains observed and reported implementation processes, and to explore the ways in which its constructs explain the implementability, enacting and sustainment of complex healthcare interventions.

Methods: We will systematically search Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases and use the Google Scholar search engine for citations of key papers in which NPT was developed. This will identify English language peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals reporting (a) primary qualitative or mixed methods studies; or, (b) qualitative or mixed methods evidence syntheses in which NPT was the primary analytic framework. Studies may be conducted in any healthcare setting, published between June 2006 and 31 December 2021. We will perform a qualitative synthesis of included studies using two parallel methods: (i) directed content analysis based on an already developed coding manual; and (ii) unsupervised textual analysis using Leximancer® topic modelling software.

Other: We will disseminate results of the review using peer reviewed publications, conference and seminar presentations, and social media (Facebook and Twitter) channels. The primary source of funding is the National Institute for Health Research ARC North Thames. No human subjects or personal data are involved and no ethical issues are anticipated.

Keywords: Complex interventions; Implementation research; Normalization Process Theory; Process evaluation; Qualitative evidence synthesis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: All authors except Alyson Hillis have been involved in the development or use of Normalization Process Theory.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Normalization Process Theory (NPT) constructs and implementation processes.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Workflow and synthesis outcome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. May C, Finch T, Mair F, et al. : Understanding the implementation of complex interventions in health care: the normalization process model. BMC Health Serv Res. 2007;7:148. 10.1186/1472-6963-7-148 - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. May CR, Mair FS, Dowrick CF, et al. : Process evaluation for complex interventions in primary care: understanding trials using the normalization process model. BMC Fam Pract. 2007;8:42. 10.1186/1471-2296-8-42 - DOI - PMC - PubMed

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