Applying Qualitative Methods in Implementation Research: Fundamentals, Developments, and Innovations

Alison Hamilton, April 4-5

Qualitative methods are central to implementation research, which focuses on integrating evidence-based practices into “real-world” settings and contexts. To improve the quality and effectiveness of routine practice, implementation researchers collect qualitative data about the everyday behaviors and beliefs of practitioners and other professionals, constituents, and recipients of services. During data collection, researchers pay special attention to factors that both facilitate and impede how programs and service delivery are executed and implemented. The end goal is typically to increase the likelihood of uptake, adoption, implementation, and sustainability of evidence-based practices.

Historically, implementation scientists have relied primarily on semi-structured interviews to characterize knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of various constituents involved in implementation. As the field has evolved, a broader set of qualitative methods has been called upon, with increasing focus on capturing complex implementation phenomena such as adaptations to interventions and strategies, contextual shifts, relationships and power dynamics, change over time, constituent engagement, and sustainability.

To provide foundational knowledge and skill to help facilitate your own work, the course first walks through the fundamentals of using qualitative methods in implementation research projects:

  • developing appropriate implementation research questions and specific aims;
  • determining when, why, and how to apply conceptual models;
  • strategizing about study design;
  • selecting appropriate, feasible qualitative data collection methods;
  • applying rapid turn-around qualitative analytic strategies; and
  • generating timely, impactful research products.

The course will then address developments and innovations in qualitative methods in implementation research, such as:

  • using ethnographic methods;
  • applying theoretical/conceptual models in study design, data collection, and data analysis, e.g., how to apply models while maintaining a spirit of qualitative inquiry and emergent discovery;
  • using qualitative approaches to multilevel engagement; and
  • adapting community-based participatory research approaches in implementation science.

Methodological concepts will be illustrated via examples from implementation research in the context of varied settings such as healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and communities.

Participants will be provided with materials and bibliographies to support the practice of qualitative methods in implementation research. The course will draw on material from three resources:

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