Combining Improvement and Implementation Sciences and Practices for the Post COVID-19 Era

Area of Science:

• Health services research
• Implementation science
• Quality improvement science

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitated rapid healthcare changes, prompting evaluation of existing research methods.
• Traditional evaluation methods face challenges with uncertain effectiveness and dynamic implementation contexts.
• Implementation science offers tools, but their application in rapid, evolving situations requires adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the integration of implementation science and quality improvement for effective and rapid healthcare change.
• To address the need for evaluating and adapting changes with limited evidence in dynamic environments.
• To propose a framework for faster, more effective change in response to public health demands.

Main Methods:

• Review of advantages and disadvantages of combining implementation science and quality improvement.
• Description of a generic digitally assisted rapid cycle testing (DA-RCT) approach.
• Utilizing elements from both implementation and improvement domains for change management.

Main Results:

• Combining implementation science and improvement offers a pathway for faster, more effective healthcare adaptation.
• The DA-RCT approach facilitates describing changes, monitoring outcomes, and making real-time adjustments.
• This integrated approach is particularly valuable in dynamic settings with evolving evidence.

Conclusions:

• Integrating implementation science and quality improvement is crucial for agile healthcare systems.
• The DA-RCT framework provides a practical tool for managing rapid, evidence-limited changes.
• Future research should focus on refining and validating combined approaches for pandemic preparedness and response.