Operationalizing Implementation Science in Nutrition: The Implementation Science Initiative in Kenya and Uganda

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Nutrition Interventions
• Global Health

Background:

• Implementation Science (IS) offers potential to enhance policy, program, and intervention effectiveness.
• Existing IS training often focuses narrowly on implementation research, a subset of the broader IS field.
• The Implementation Science in Nutrition (ISN) framework, adapted from health IS, uses nutrition-specific language and concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore challenges and strategies for applying the ISN framework in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• To generate practical knowledge for operationalizing the ISN framework in diverse LMIC contexts.

Main Methods:

• The ISN framework was operationalized over three years in Kenya and Uganda through the Implementation Science Initiative.
• Action research, specifically developmental evaluation, was employed to provide feedback and facilitate adaptations.
• Data on challenges and strategies were collected through partnership with country teams.

Main Results:

• Guiding principles and six IS system components were articulated to structure operationalization efforts.
• Challenges and effective strategies for implementing these six components were documented.
• An IS system operational model was developed based on lessons learned.

Conclusions:

• Future IS investments should emphasize system- and capacity-building for greater impact and institutionalization.
• The developed operational model can guide diverse programs in improving IS implementation.
• Prioritizing a systematic, capacity-focused approach is crucial for realizing IS potential in LMICs.