Embedding research to improve program implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean

Area of Science:

• Health Systems Research
• Implementation Science
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Implementation research is crucial for translating proven health interventions into routine practice.
• The Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research and PAHO initiated a program in 2014-2015 to support embedded implementation research in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the experience and key conclusions from the Improving Program Implementation through Embedded Research (iPIER) scheme.
• To highlight the value of embedded implementation research models led by health program implementers.

Main Methods:

• The iPIER scheme received 234 applications from 28 countries.
• Supported 12 implementation research projects led by health program implementers from nine LAC countries.
• Focused on the 'insider' perspective of program implementers in research.

Main Results:

• Embedded implementation research, with implementers leading, is effective in identifying research questions.
• This approach helps pinpoint system failures and barriers hindering intervention implementation.
• The iPIER experience demonstrated the potential of placing implementers at the forefront of research initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Embedded implementation research models, where implementers lead, show significant promise.
• The 'insider' perspective is vital for uncovering systemic barriers in health programs.
• This approach can enhance the systematic uptake of research findings into practice.