Development of an Implementation Science Higher Diploma for Registered Nurses: Phase III of the EQUIP Initiative

Implementation science (ImpSci) programs are emerging in nursing postgraduate education. The Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP) is a multiphase initiative aimed at equipping implementation lead nurses (IL nurses) with the skills necessary for practice changes. This study leveraged EQUIP's outcomes to develop a 1-year Higher Diploma in ImpSci for registered nurses, preparing graduates to conduct ImpSci projects that improve healthcare quality. Using a co-participatory design, the study engaged IL nurses (n = 10), clinician nurses (n = 3), clinical research nurses (n = 1), and academic staff (n = 2) in collaboratively developing the ImpSci Higher Diploma curriculum. Six co-designed learning domains were established, aligning with the program's mission to advance evidence-based education, research-driven clinical practice, and sustainable quality initiatives, with a focus on ImpSci. Nine program learning outcomes were mapped to eight domains of competence, creating a framework to prepare IL nurses to conduct ImpSci projects, address challenges, and improve patient outcomes. ImpSci Higher Diploma builds on previous work in evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation, equipping graduates to lead critical quality improvement efforts and advance nursing education and healthcare delivery.