Mapping the development of implementation science competency frameworks and capacity-building programmes: a scoping...

The rapid global expansion of implementation science (IS) capacity-building programmes has been accompanied by the development of IS-specific competency frameworks to guide curriculum design and programme delivery. Although prior reviews have examined the outcomes of these programmes, less attention has been paid to how IS competency frameworks and capacity-building programmes are developed. Further, a recent review noted substantial heterogeneity and inconsistent definition of competencies identified across IS capacity-building programmes. As such, greater clarity is needed regarding the methodological approaches underpinning the design of IS competency frameworks and capacity-building programmes and the degree to which IS competency frameworks, capacity-building programmes and trainees' needs are aligned.

We plan to conduct a scoping review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science will be searched for articles published in English from January 2010. Peer-reviewed articles that describe the development methodology of a specific IS competency framework or capacity-building programme will be included. The review will map and synthesise the methodological approaches used to develop IS competency frameworks and capacity-building programmes, with particular attention to (a) the use of participatory methods in development processes and (b) the use of competency frameworks in the development of capacity-building programmes.

Ethical approval is not required. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at relevant conferences and workshops. PRE-REGISTRATION NUMBER: osf.io/utyje/.