Article type
Abstract
Background: Implementation research is defined as scientific inquiry into questions concerning implementation, which commonly addresses implementation bottlenecks, identifies optimal approaches for a particular setting, and promotes the uptake of research findings. Recent calls identify the need for 'embedding locally relevant and demand-driven research' in health systems to improve implementation and scale-up.
Implementation: UNICEF is now successfully using implementation research in our programming across a variety of countries and settings to inform local policy and programme decisions. Implementation research needs to be driven by implementers and local programme managers, often in collaboration with (local) researchers. Implementation research allows for the study of programme variance across settings and the adjustments required to adapt programmes to local context and inform scale-up. Examples from recent UNICEF-supported programmes include findings from a study on adding birth registration in Child Health Days which addressed the implementation outcomes of acceptability, feasibility and coverage. Another example is a cross-country synthesis of implementation research on integrated community case management which highlighted implementation and contextual differences leading to success in one country and lack of success in another. Understanding these differences would not have been available if only health outcomes had been evaluated. UNICEF has also partnered since 2013 with the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research and GAVI to support 26 embedded implementation research projects lead by implementers of MCH and immunisation programmes in 15 low-middle income countries.
Discussion: This poster will present examples of recent and current implementation research at UNICEF and discuss the implications of this type of enquiry for improving Global Maternal and Child Health programming. We will also highlight how UNICEF is using implementation research to design, evaluate and disseminate implementation of programmes for child health.
Implementation: UNICEF is now successfully using implementation research in our programming across a variety of countries and settings to inform local policy and programme decisions. Implementation research needs to be driven by implementers and local programme managers, often in collaboration with (local) researchers. Implementation research allows for the study of programme variance across settings and the adjustments required to adapt programmes to local context and inform scale-up. Examples from recent UNICEF-supported programmes include findings from a study on adding birth registration in Child Health Days which addressed the implementation outcomes of acceptability, feasibility and coverage. Another example is a cross-country synthesis of implementation research on integrated community case management which highlighted implementation and contextual differences leading to success in one country and lack of success in another. Understanding these differences would not have been available if only health outcomes had been evaluated. UNICEF has also partnered since 2013 with the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research and GAVI to support 26 embedded implementation research projects lead by implementers of MCH and immunisation programmes in 15 low-middle income countries.
Discussion: This poster will present examples of recent and current implementation research at UNICEF and discuss the implications of this type of enquiry for improving Global Maternal and Child Health programming. We will also highlight how UNICEF is using implementation research to design, evaluate and disseminate implementation of programmes for child health.