Training and education provided to local change champions within implementation trials: a rapid systematic review

Translating research into clinical practice is challenging. One implementation intervention that supports translation is employment of a change champion. It is important to understand how individuals are prepared for the change champion role. This rapid systematic review aimed to identify the education, training, and support provided to individuals in change champion roles within implementation trials.

Rapid review approach. We searched the Scopus database to identify systematic reviews on champions, knowledge brokers, facilitators, and implementation support practitioners. The most recent reviews on each topic were screened to find eligible studies. To identify studies published after these reviews, we searched Medline, PsycINFO, OVID, CINAHL, ProQuest, SCOPUS, and EBSCO. We included randomised and cluster randomised controlled trials that reported on implementation interventions in healthcare settings involving a local change champion.

Fifteen cluster randomised controlled trials were included. Specific champion training was provided in 12 studies (80%), but none reported incorporating adult learning principles into their education program. Some form of post-training support was reported in 11 studies (73%). Only two studies included content on behaviour or organizational change in the champion preparation program. Most programs were not individualized, and details of training and support were poorly reported.

Training needs and educational outcomes of change champions are poorly reported in implementation trials. Training tends not to align with adult learning. More rigorous development and reporting of programs to prepare change champions to support implementation of evidence in healthcare is recommended.

PROSPERO registration number CRD42022368276.