Translational framework for implementation evaluation and research: protocol for a qualitative systematic review of studies informed by Normalization Process Theory (NPT)

May, C. R. et al. (2022) Translational framework for implementation evaluation and research: protocol for a qualitative systematic review of studies informed by Normalization Process Theory (NPT). NIHR Open Research, 2, 41. (doi: 10.3310/nihropenres.13269.1) (PMID:35935672) (PMCID:PMC7613237)

Abstract

Background: Normalization Process Theory (NPT) identifies mechanisms that have been demonstrated to play an important role in implementation processes. It is now widely used to inform feasibility, process evaluation, and implementation studies in healthcare and other areas of work. This qualitative synthesis of NPT studies aims to better understand how NPT explains observed and reported implementation processes, and to explore the ways in which its constructs explain the implementability, enacting and sustainment of complex healthcare interventions. Methods: We will systematically search Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases and use the Google Scholar search engine for citations of key papers in which NPT was developed. This will identify English language peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals reporting (a) primary qualitative or mixed methods studies; or, (b) qualitative or mixed methods evidence syntheses in which NPT was the primary analytic framework. Studies may be conducted in any healthcare setting, published between June 2006 and 31 December 2021. We will perform a qualitative synthesis of included studies using two parallel methods: (i) directed content analysis based on an already developed coding manual; and (ii) unsupervised textual analysis using Leximancer® topic modelling software. Other: We will disseminate results of the review using peer reviewed publications, conference and seminar presentations, and social media (Facebook and Twitter) channels. The primary source of funding is the National Institute for Health Research ARC North Thames. No human subjects or personal data are involved and no ethical issues are anticipated.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Version 1; peer review: 2 approved. This project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) North Thames Applied Research Collaborative (Grant Reference Number NIHR200163) to CRM, EM and AH, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) North East and North Cumbria Applied Research Collaborative (Grant Reference Number NIHR200173) to TLF, TR, and SP. RK is partially funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM). The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the National Institute for Health and Care Research or the Department of Health and Social Care (Grant Reference Number NIHR200174).
• Keywords: Normalization Process Theory, implementation research, complex interventions, process evaluation, qualitative evidence synthesis.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mair, Professor Frances

Creator Roles

Mair, F. S.: Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: May, C. R., Albers, B., Desveaux, L., Finch, T. L., Gilbert, A., Hillis, A., Girling, M., Kislov, R., MacFarlane, A., Mair, F. S., May, C. M., Murray, E., Potthoff, S., and Rapley, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
• Journal Name: NIHR Open Research
• Publisher: F1000Research
• ISSN: 2633-4402
• ISSN (Online): 2633-4402
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 May CR et al.
• First Published: First published in NIHR Open Research 2: 41
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License