Identifying Mechanisms of Action for Implementation Strategies Using a Retrospective Implementation Mapping Logic...

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Health Promotion Research
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Understanding causal mechanisms of implementation strategies is crucial for effective health promotion.
• Logic models are valuable tools for illustrating these mechanisms, but guidance for developing them retrospectively is limited.
• This study addresses the need for methods to develop logic models for existing implementation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a retrospective application of Implementation Mapping (IM) to develop an IMap Logic Model for a social-emotional learning program.
• To illustrate how qualitative data and program details can inform logic model construction.
• To provide a framework for understanding the relationship between implementation strategies, change methods, and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interview data from implementers and conversations with program organizers were used to inform logic model development.
• The process involved specifying program outcomes, implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes.
• Change methods, practical applications, determinants, and contextual factors were subsequently detailed to build the IMap Logic Model.

Main Results:

• An IMap Logic Model was developed for a social-emotional learning program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH).
• The model outlines how specific implementation strategies, utilizing various change methods and practical applications, addressed key determinants to improve program fidelity and outcomes.
• Effectiveness outcomes included improved youth emotion regulation and social skills.

Conclusions:

• The developed IMap Logic Model serves as a tool for implementation evaluation, identifying outcomes, mediators, and moderators.
• This retrospective logic modeling approach can inform ongoing implementation and scale-up efforts by highlighting potential gaps.
• The study provides a practical method for developing logic models for established implementation strategies in real-world settings.