It is widely known that effective new health technologies cannot be successfully implemented when these technologies are scaled up. There is a significant need for particular research to identify solutions and options for overcoming implementation obstacles in health systems, disease control programmes and health care delivery. This form of research (also known as implementation research) addresses implementation bottlenecks, identifies optimal approaches for a particular setting, and promotes the uptake of research findings; ultimately, it leads to improved health care and its delivery.

While implementation research (IR) has been defined in various ways by different institutions, common interpretations focus on the systematic approach to understanding and addressing barriers to effective and quality implementation of health interventions, strategies and policies. IR is demand-driven and the research questions are framed based on needs identified with relevant stakeholder/implementers in the health system. This course will introduce participants to the concept of IR, tools and materials relevant to IR and facilitate the development of IR proposals.