Implementation research: new imperatives and opportunities in global health

The Lancet "Implementation research is important in global health because it addresses the challenges of the know–do gap in real-world settings and the practicalities of achieving national and global health goals. Implementation research is an integrated concept that links research and practice to accelerate the development and delivery of public health approaches. Implementation research involves the creation and application of knowledge to improve the implementation of health policies, programmes, and practices. This type of research uses multiple disciplines and methods and emphasises partnerships between community members, implementers, researchers, and policy makers.

(...) However, limited efforts have been made to systematically document and review learning from the practice of implementation research across different countries and technical areas. (...) Internationally, the need for implementation research could not be greater or more timely. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national commitments for universal health coverage require effective implementation of proven interventions to improve health outcomes and ensure that no communities are left behind and all benefit from improved health and wellbeing." (Photo: CIFOR/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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