Evaluating the implementation of community engagement guidelines (EVALUA GPS project): a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• The National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines for improving health and well-being.
• Adapting and implementing these guidelines in diverse healthcare contexts is crucial for equitable health outcomes.
• Evaluating the impact of guideline implementation is essential for refining public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a tool for assessing the impact of implementing adapted NICE guidelines on community engagement in Spain.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to guideline implementation in community-based programs.
• To create an online resource supporting future guideline implementation.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining literature review, expert consensus, and quasi-experimental design.
• Development of an evaluation tool through Phase I (literature review and expert panel).
• Implementation of the tool in 16 intervention and 4 control community programs (Phase II), with data collection via surveys and interviews.

Main Results:

• The study will identify key implementation scenarios and changes in community engagement approaches.
• Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of NICE guidelines will be elucidated.
• Quantitative and qualitative data will inform the development of a final online web tool.

Conclusions:

• The EVALUA GPS project will provide a validated tool for evaluating guideline implementation impact.
• Findings will support the effective adaptation and dissemination of NICE guidelines in community settings.
• The resulting online tool will facilitate broader adoption and improve public health outcomes.