Assessing the Utility of Fixsen et al.'s Model: A Test of Concept Study

Background: Improving the effect of evidence based programs (EBP) has great public health relevance. Improving implementation strategies is a good way to enhance the effect of EBP's. This paper is a test of concept study that assesses the utility of Fixsen et al.'s implementation model to research implementation. Fixsen et al.'s model consists of seven implementation drivers proposed to be relevant and important to the successful implementation of an EBP. An organization deemed to have successfully implemented an EBP was used to examine the relevance of Fixsen et al.'s implementation model.Results: All seven implementation drivers, as proposed by Fixsen et al., were identified within the organization that has successfully implemented an EBP.Discussion: It was determined by this test of concept study that Fixsen et al.'s model was useful and relevant to the research of implementation.Conclusion: Fixsen et al.'s model of implementation provided a logical and strategic framework on which to approach implementation research. There is still much work to be done to assess the validity and utility of this model. Likewise, there is still much research to be done in implementation science in order to more clearly determine what components and strategies are important to successful implementation and what are not.