Implementation Research in RMNCAH

The importance of research in identifying solutions and options for overcoming implementation obstacles in health systems and programmes is widely recognized. Implementation Research(IR) has been defined in various ways by different institutions, common interpretations focus on the systematic approach to understanding and addressing barriers to effective and quality implementation of health interventions, strategies and policies. IR is demand-driven and the research questions are framed based on needs identified together with relevant stakeholders/ implementers in the health system. This form of research addresses implementation bottlenecks, identifies optimal approaches for a particular setting, and promotes the uptake of research findings: ultimately, it leads to improved health care and its delivery. The need to address implementation bottlenecks is often greatest in settings where health systems are the weakest or non-existent. Implementation research need to be systematic, multidisciplinary, contextual and yet multidimension(complex).

Implementation research in RMNCAH is not a single activity, but a stepwise, cyclical process. The initial step is a clear identification of the intervention problem(s), working with key stakeholders to generate relevant research questions. In this manner, an interdisciplinary team can bring together the relevant skills and backgrounds to develop a detailed proposal, plan, mobilize resources and execute the study. Ultimately it can present the findings in an appropriate format for uptake and use by planners and decision-makers within the health system. While conducting IR, there must be active and continuous monitoring of activities and regular feedback for necessary changes and amendments.

Dissemination of findings in IR should occur continually throughout the cycle as well as after the completion of the research project. The findings must be presented appropriately for each partner and stakeholder, so that the most relevant results are available in a timely manner to influence practice. The IR should be designed as five interacting domains, which includes the intervention, outer setting, inner setting, individuals involved and process for implementation.