Traditional approaches to conducting implementation research

Implementation research uses study designs and methods of data collection and analysis common across the social sciences. Ideally, designs and methods are selected based on the optimal approach to addressing the research question. More thorough explanations of these designs and methods are available in methods textbooks. However, this chapter provides an overview and examples in the context of research within implementation science. The chapter begins with a description of hybrid designs Type 1, 2 and 3, an approach which enables a dual focus on assessing clinical effectiveness and implementation outcomes. This is followed by a description of three types of study designs: experimental, quasi-experimental and observational design. Information is then provided on qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods to collect and analyse data. The overview of the designs, methods and how implementation researchers use these to conduct research is intended to provide guidance on selecting the appropriate study design and methods of data collection and analysis.