Implementation Research for Evidence Based Programming

Implementation research (IR) is a field of health research that is currently getting a lot of attention.  It can be defined as a systematic approach to understanding and addressing barriers to effective and quality implementation of health interventions or programs, strategies and policies. Despite the growing interest in IR, it is a field of research that is less understood.  This course aims at equipping the participants with knowledge of IR and essential capacities to frame relevant research questions, conduct, manage and interpret research results for programme planning and policy implementation. The course would be most beneficial to Program managers, Project officers and coordinators, Monitoring and Evaluation officers, and Policy makers.

The following aspects of the course are covered:

• Facilitate engagement between researchers and implementers.
• Identify implementation bottlenecks or inefficiencies.
• Frame appropriate research questions to address the issues identified.
• Highlight the different methodological approaches to generating information.
• Consider ethical issues in context.
• Facilitate mentorship to ensure sustained IR capacity at all levels.