Implementation frameworks in child, youth and family services – Results from a scoping review. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Albers, Bianca; Mildon, Robyn; Lyon, Aaron R.; Shlonsky, Aron
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 81(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Implementation science -- Implementation frameworks -- Implementation research -- Implementation strategies -- Scoping review -- Child welfare -- Family services -- Evidence-based practice; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: Background & objectives: Implementation frameworks are designed to articulate the actions and behaviors considered necessary for successful implementation of interventions, programs or services. Such frameworks have been increasingly used in social services for children, youth and families (which include family and parenting support, out-of-home care (foster care) placements, child protection, family violence, juvenile justice and community services). The purposes of this review were (a) to identify studies employing an implementation framework in this field; (b) map the literature to better understand these frameworks and the ways in which they are being applied; (c) to ascertain the ways in which implementation frameworks are being tested; and (d) to describe the current state of evidence surrounding their use in the field. Method: For this scoping review, searches of the literature were conducted within PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ASSIA, Embase, Embase Classic, Social Work Abstracts, ERIC and Sociological Abstracts. Databases were searched for published, peer reviewed English language evaluation studies that applied - and reported on this application - implementation frameworks in the child, youth and family service sector. No limits were placed on years. Any type of study design was eligible from single case studies to randomized controlled trials. Results: Out of a total of 8541 publications located, thirty-three met the inclusion criteria. They included eight frameworks that have been applied in the sector. Few of the identified frameworks were based on rigorous research designs. Common strategies used within the frameworks included staging implementation, key influences (e.g., competencies, organizational factors, leadership), stakeholder identification and engagement, and capacity measurement and building. Rarely were these approaches theoretically grounded or fully developed, and limited information was provided about their characteristics, development or interconnectedness. In short, research underpinning frameworks and their use has been meager, especially considering their proliferation in the field. Conclusions: This review identifies a need to strengthen the conceptualization of core strategies that are integrated into implementation frameworks, including an articulation of their underlying logic. In the future, implementation science and practice may gain from moving away from comprehensive and complex implementation frameworks towards a more flexible, modular approach to implementation based on the application and combination of effective 'implementation core strategies'. Future research may also draw a more complete picture of the state of implementation frameworks by expanding search terms to also include other sectors and domains into systematic reviews. Highlights: Little evidence exists in child, youth and family services to guide the use of implementation frameworks. Existing implementation frameworks should be further refined for use in child, youth and family services. The inherent factors of implementation frameworks could be better grounded in theory leading to solid logic modeling. Developers of implementation frameworks could better differentiate the importance and timing of specific factors. Rigorous research can help identify core implementation elements that can be applied to different implementation contexts.