Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
05:35
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Using implementation science for WHO noncommunicable disease technical packages in low-and middle-income countries: a
Ishu Kataria1,2, Lillian Morrell3, Gavin Allman3
1RTI International, New Delhi, India.
Frontiers in Health Services
|August 14, 2026
Summary
Implementation science is underutilized in World Health Organization (WHO) noncommunicable disease (NCD) technical packages in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Strengthening implementation approaches is critical for long-term NCD impact.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Implementation Science
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) developed technical packages to guide the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
- Understanding the application of implementation science in adopting and scaling these NCD packages in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited.
- This review examines the integration of implementation and dissemination science within WHO NCD technical packages and their alignment with national strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature (2009-2023) on the implementation or adaptation of WHO NCD technical packages in LMICs.
- To analyze the use of implementation science frameworks, barriers, facilitators, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, implementation outcomes, and sustainability.
- To assess the alignment of these implementation efforts with national NCD strategies.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of eight databases (2009-2023).
- Data extraction on implementation science components and organization using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) framework.
- Inclusion of 57 studies from 27 LMICs focusing on WHO NCD technical packages like PEN, PEN-Plus, HEARTS, and MPOWER.
Main Results:
- Only one study explicitly used a formal implementation science framework; conceptual models were rarely reported.
- Common barriers included limited medicines, diagnostics, workforce capacity, and weak information systems.
- Stakeholder engagement was inconsistent, primarily involving providers and managers; sustainability was rarely assessed.
Conclusions:
- Implementation science is underutilized and inconsistently applied in WHO NCD technical packages within LMICs.
- Limited use of frameworks, weak policy integration, and scarce sustainability assessment hinder long-term impact.
- Strengthening implementation science approaches, research capacity, and policy integration is crucial for accelerating NCD control in LMICs.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Geneva. The WHO has many initiatives that center around health. Primarily, they lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage using science-based policies and programs. They are also responsible for shaping health research agendas and developing norms and standards.
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:23International Nursing Organizations I
International Nursing Organization (ICN) is a global union of national nurses' organizations. Individual nurses can be a part of ICN through member organizations. Each member organization strives to ensure quality nursing care, sound health policies, the advancement of nursing knowledge, respect for the profession, and a satisfied and competent nursing workforce.
ICN member organizations work to advance the field of nursing and healthcare via policies, partnerships, lobbying, professional...
ICN member organizations work to advance the field of nursing and healthcare via policies, partnerships, lobbying, professional...