According to re-aim.org, implementation is defined as the “intervention agents’ fidelity to the various elements of an intervention’s protocol.” This sense of “fidelity” or faithfulness to the intervention includes the degree to which the intervention is utilized as designed: in a timely manner and within the expected cost parameters (Re-aim.org).
As such, implementation of the evidence-based interventions requires three steps prior to completion:
- Benefits which outweigh cost: it must be noted that cost-benefit analysis need not rest solely on monetary value, indeed such an analysis may lead to a decision not proceed. Rather, it is imperative that non-monetary benefits and costs are accounted.
- Stakeholder support: only after all (or the majority of) stakeholders involved recognize the importance of action, will the implementation gain traction.
- Community commitment and involvement: often times, it has been said that to raise a child takes a village; this applies with mitigation of unintentional injuries.
Once these steps have been completed, implementation of specific evidence-based interventions can begin. Such implementation phases include:
- Application of evidence-based intervention (e.g. policy or law) to community, city, or state.
- Education on intervention requirements to affected community members.
- Proper incentives to encourage compliance with said intervention.
- Structure to enforce intervention.
- Data collection on compliance to intervention.
- Evaluation of data to determine effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the intervention.
Image from motherjones.com – How much does your state fine for texting and driving?