Five Years of the Implementation Research Logic Model (IRLM): Use, Usability, and Opportunities for Refinement

Justin Smith, PhD
University of Utah

James Merle, PhD
University of Utah

Olutobi Sanuade, PhD
University of Utah

Elizabeth Sloss, PhD, MBA, RN
University of Utah

ABSTRACT:
Background:
Clear specification of implementation determinants, strategies, mechanisms, and outcomes is essential for rigor, reproducibility, and causal inference in implementation science. The Implementation Research Logic Model (IRLM) was developed to integrate these elements into a single, coherent framework to support planning, execution, reporting, and synthesis of implementation studies. Since its publication in 2020, the IRLM has been widely disseminated and adopted; however, systematic evidence on how it is used in practice, where users encounter challenges, and how the model and guidance for its use might be refined has been limited.

Methods:
We conducted a multi-phase evaluation of the IRLM five years post-publication. First, we completed a citation analysis and systematic scoping review to assess the IRLM’s scientific reach, patterns of use across implementation phases, construct linking, data sources, and community or partner engagement in published studies. Second, informed by these findings, we conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study, including a cross-sectional survey of IRLM users (n=129) and semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of users (n=22). Survey measures included patterns of use, perceived benefits and challenges, and the System Usability Scale (SUS), while interviews explored experiences applying the IRLM across contexts, levels of experience, and implementation phases. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated to identify convergent and explanatory themes. Finally, findings are being used to inform an expert panel–guided refinement of IRLM materials as well as new materials to promote its use.

Results:
The citation analysis and systematic scoping review demonstrated broad uptake of the IRLM across disciplines and settings, but predominantly for planning, with limited use for execution, reporting, or synthesis and infrequent comprehensive linking across core elements. Survey and interview findings echoed these use patterns, and indicated that users perceived the IRLM as highly valuable for conceptual clarity, planning, and communication, but reported moderate overall usability. Key challenges included procedural ambiguity, difficulty operationalizing mechanisms and linkages, visual complexity in larger projects, and limited guidance for engaging non-research partners. These challenges were most pronounced among newer users and those with fewer prior IRLM applications.

Conclusions:
Together, these findings highlight both the value of the IRLM and clear opportunities for refinement. Ongoing work with an expert panel will translate these results into updated IRLM materials, including a user guide, refined worksheets, and a reporting checklist, to strengthen usability, support partner-engaged application, and enhance the IRLM’s impact across diverse implementation research and practice contexts.

He Pikinga Waiora: A culturally centered Indigenous implementation science framework.

Damian Chase-Begay, PhD, MS
University of Montana

ABSTRACT:
The He Pikinga Waiora (HPW) Framework offers a culturally-centered, community-engaged implementation model developed in Indigenous contexts to guide health promotion and chronic disease prevention efforts. First, this presentation will provide a concise overview of the framework’s origin, key principles (including cultural-centeredness, community engagement, systems thinking, and integrated knowledge translation) and its empirical foundation.

Second, the presentation will highlight a case study in which the HPW framework was applied in partnership with Indigenous community stakeholders—illustrating what the co-design process looked like, what challenges were encountered (such as partner drop-out, adapting intervention content, and sustaining engagement), and what successes were achieved (including significant weight loss and improved self-rated health in one cohort).

Finally, the presentation will describe current work underway to adapt and extend the HPW framework for American Indian communities in the U.S., focusing on culturally-rooted adaptations, stakeholder-driven modifications, and next-phase implementation and evaluation plans. The aim is to spark discussion among clinical and public health practitioners about how frameworks like HPW can be translated across Indigenous populations while preserving community leadership, cultural relevance, and implementation rigor.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the core components and evidence base of the HPW framework.

2. Recognize critical implementation successes and pitfalls when applying the framework in Indigenous settings.

3. Explore pathways and considerations for adapting the HPW framework for American Indian community contexts—including partnership dynamics, cultural adaptation requirements, and evaluation strategies.