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Table 1 Terms and definitions

From: A systematic review of empirical studies examining mechanisms of implementation in health

Term

Definition

Mechanism

Process or event through which an implementation strategy operates to affect desired implementation outcomes.

Precondition

Factor that is necessary in order for an implementation mechanism to be activated.

Strategy

Methods used to promote the implementation of an evidence-based practice or program

Determinant

Also commonly referred to as “barriers” and “facilitators,” a factor that enables or hinders the implementation strategy from eliciting the desired effect.

Mediator

Intervening variable that may account for the relationship between the implementation strategy and the implementation outcome.

Moderator

Factor that increase or decrease the level of influence of an implementation strategy.

Proximal outcome

The product of the implementation strategy that is realized because of its specific mechanism of action, the most immediate, observable outcome in the causal pathway.

Distal outcome

Outcome that the implementation processes is ultimately intended to achieve, not the most immediate outcome in the causal pathway.