Combined use of the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework...

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Health Services Research
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Applying implementation frameworks is challenging, leading to the use of multiple frameworks in research projects.
• The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework, including its updated version i-PARIHS, is frequently used.
• This review examines the combined application of PARIHS/i-PARIHS with other implementation frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the use of the PARIHS/i-PARIHS framework in conjunction with other implementation frameworks.
• To identify the reasons, if any, provided for combining frameworks in implementation research.

Main Methods:

• Searched six databases (2016-April 2024) and conducted a citation search of the i-PARIHS paper.
• Included peer-reviewed studies applying PARIHS/i-PARIHS and at least one other implementation framework.
• Utilized descriptive statistics for study characteristics and qualitative content analysis for rationales.

Main Results:

• Thirty-six articles met inclusion criteria, with most studies using one additional framework alongside PARIHS/i-PARIHS.
• Nine different implementation frameworks were identified as being used with PARIHS/i-PARIHS.
• Few studies reported a rationale for combining frameworks or the strengths of such combinations.

Conclusions:

• Implementation researchers commonly use PARIHS/i-PARIHS with other frameworks but provide limited rationale.
• Lack of explicit rationales for framework selection impedes the evaluation of effectiveness.
• Greater clarity is needed on the complementary strengths and reasons for combining implementation frameworks.