Table 3 Hypotheses linked to chains of inference
From: Realist synthesis: illustrating the method for implementation research
Hypotheses | Chain of Inference (theory level) | Chain of inference (sub-theory level) | Themes from the literature | Papers addressing the theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
An opinion leader and his/her personal characteristics are dependent on contextual factors in order to have an impact on E-IHC.A facilitator and his/her personal characteristics are dependent on contextual factors in order to have an impact on E-IHC. | The nature of the relationship between the change agent’s personal characteristics, the role adopted, and contextual influences and the impact of E-IHC. | Roles Personal Characteristics Contextual Factors | Opinion Leader (OL) Facilitator (FAC) Change agent (CA) | Papers with mixed and positive effects, only: 6 OL (Wright, Chaillet, Curran, Moore, Davies, Majumdar) Six FAC (internal/external and external facilitators included), (Stetler, Cranney, Gerrish, Milner, Thomas, Hutt) Total 18 CA papers, 12 OL and FAC |