Understanding and applying the RE-AIM framework: Clarifications and resources

Introduction:Understanding, categorizing, and using implementation science theories, models, and frameworks is a complex undertaking. The issues involved are even more challenging given the large number of frameworks and that some of them evolve significantly over time. As a consequence, researchers...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical and translational science 2021, Vol.5 (1), p.e126-e126, Article e126
Main Authors: Holtrop, Jodi Summers, Estabrooks, Paul A., Gaglio, Bridget, Harden, Samantha M., Kessler, Rodger S., King, Diane K., Kwan, Bethany M., Ory, Marcia G., Rabin, Borsika A., Shelton, Rachel C., Glasgow, Russell E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adaptation
Collaboration
context
generalization
implementation science framework
Implementation, Policy and Community Engagement
Intervention
Interviews
Primary care
PRISM
Public health
Quality of life
RE-AIM
Research methodology
Science
sustainability
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Introduction:Understanding, categorizing, and using implementation science theories, models, and frameworks is a complex undertaking. The issues involved are even more challenging given the large number of frameworks and that some of them evolve significantly over time. As a consequence, researchers and practitioners may be unintentionally mischaracterizing frameworks or basing actions and conclusions on outdated versions of a framework.Methods:This paper addresses how the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework has been described, summarizes how the model has evolved over time, and identifies and corrects several misconceptions.Results:We address 13 specific areas where misconceptions have been noted concerning the use of RE-AIM and summarize current guidance on these issues. We also discuss key changes to RE-AIM over the past 20 years, including the evolution to Pragmatic Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model, and provide resources for potential users to guide application of the framework.Conclusions:RE-AIM and many other theories and frameworks have evolved, been misunderstood, and sometimes been misapplied. To some degree, this is inevitable, but we conclude by suggesting some actions that reviewers, framework developers, and those selecting or applying frameworks can do to prevent or alleviate these problems.
ISSN:2059-8661
2059-8661
DOI:10.1017/cts.2021.789