Integration of Improvement and Implementation Science in Practice-Based Research Networks: a Longitudinal,...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Translational Science

Background:

• Implementation science (IS) and quality improvement (QI) are distinct but often integrated in practice.
• Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) frequently combine both IS and QI approaches.
• Examining IS-QI integration in PBRNs can reveal opportunities for strategic alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze IS, QI, and combined IS/QI projects within a PBRN.
• To identify similarities, differences, and synergistic potential between IS and QI projects.
• To understand how IS and QI contribute to practice change within a PBRN setting.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal, comparative case study of projects within the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN) from 2007 to 2019.
• Document review and staff interviews to classify projects (IS, QI, IS/QI, other).
• Qualitative synthesis to compare projects and identify IS/QI contributions.

Main Results:

• Nearly 30% of projects incorporated IS or QI elements, with 54% classified as IS/QI.
• IS/QI projects shared similarities in objectives and settings, with IS/IS-QI projects more likely to use randomized designs and theoretical frameworks.
• QI projects primarily used practice facilitation, while IS projects favored education/training; IS/QI projects utilized both.

Conclusions:

• Synergies between IS and QI were evident over a 12-year period in a PBRN.
• Strategic alignment of IS/QI within projects can improve healthcare quality.
• Integrating IS and QI helps bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.