Aligning intuition and theory: a novel approach to identifying the determinants of behaviours necessary to support implementation of evidence into practice

Bridging the Gap between Intuition and Theory: A Comparison of Different Approaches to Implementation Strategy Development for Improving Lynch Syndrome Detection

INTRODUCTION

Despite growing calls for the explicit application of theory when designing behaviour change interventions, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of these methods compared to non-theoretical approaches. A cluster randomized controlled trial (Hide and Seek Project - HaSP) tested two implementation approaches for improving hereditary cancer referral practices with one key distinction: implementation strategies were designed based explicitly on psychological theory or based on stakeholder intuition. This study presents the detailed methods and resources used to facilitate this comparison, whilst examining the strategies generated through both approaches.

METHODS

Across seven Australian hospitals, clinical stakeholders attended focus groups to co-design site-specific strategies for improving Lynch syndrome referral. Co-design methods differed according to trial arm. Implementation strategy content was examined, with intuitively derived strategies retrospectively coded to determine theoretical alignment.

RESULTS

Fifty-one strategies were proposed across all sites (theory-based arm = 32, intuition-based arm = 19). Overall, nine behaviour change technique (BCT) categories were used on 77 occasions. In the theory-based trial arm, eight BCT categories were identified on 53 occasions; and five BCT categories on 24 occasions in the intuition-based arm. BCT categories were largely similar across both arms. After retrospectively coding intuitively derived strategies, 42% contained mechanistic links, thereby demonstrating theoretical alignment.

CONCLUSION

Methods facilitated robust comparison of theoretical and intuitive approaches to implementation strategy design. Recognizing the known benefits of theory for enhancing scientific learning, applying these methods on a larger scale may provide definitive evidence about the comparative effectiveness of theoretical approaches.

Using Implementation Science Frameworks to Guide the Use of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Symptom Monitoring in Routine Cancer Care

PURPOSE

Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) are an evidence-based means of detecting symptoms earlier and improving patient outcomes. However, there are few examples of successful implementation in routine cancer care. We conducted a qualitative study to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing ePRO symptom monitoring in routine cancer care using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

METHODS

Participants were adult patients with cancer, their caregivers, or health care professionals involved in ePRO monitoring or processes. Focus groups or individual interviews were conducted using a semistructured approach informed by the CFIR. Data were analyzed deductively using the CFIR. Barriers were matched to theory-informed implementation strategies using the CFIR-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) matching tool.

RESULTS

Thirty participants were interviewed: 22 females (73%), aged 31-70 years (28, 94%), comprising patients (n = 8), caregivers (n = 2), medical oncologists (n = 4), nurses (n = 4), hospital leaders (n = 6), clinic administrators (n = 2), pharmacists (n = 2), and information technology specialists (n = 2). Barriers pertaining to four CFIR domains were identified and several were novel, including the challenge of adapting ePROs for different anticancer treatments. Facilitators pertaining to all CFIR domains were identified, such as leveraging acceptability of remote care post-COVID-19 to drive implementation. Conducting consensus discussions with stakeholders to tailor ePROs to the local setting, identifying/preparing individual and group-level champions, and assessing readiness for change (including leveraging technological advances and increased confidence in using remote monitoring post-COVID-19) were the most frequently recommended implementation strategies.

CONCLUSION

The CFIR facilitated identification of known and novel barriers and facilitators to implementing ePRO symptom monitoring in routine cancer care. Implementation strategies summarized in a conceptual framework will be used to codesign an ePRO symptom monitoring system for immunotherapy side effects.