The role of theories and models in implementation science: An example of application in neurorehabilitation / Die Rolle von Theorien und Modellen in der Implementierungsforschung: ein Anwendungsbeispiel aus der Neurorehabilitation

Implementation science investigates how scientific knowledge can be effectively and sustainably translated into practice. A variety of models, theories and frameworks provide structured and theoretically grounded approaches for planning, executing and evaluating implementation efforts.

The need for theory-driven implementation research is also evident in health professions within German-speaking countries. Within physical therapy in Germany, particularly in the field of neurological rehabilitation, gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in routine care have been identified; for example, the limited use of standardized assessments. Despite recommendations from national and international guidelines, assessments are still under-utilized in neurological physical therapy. Implementation science, therefore, may play a critical role in bridging the knowledge-to-practice gap in physical therapy in Germany.

This article describes the design of the research project AssessMobility, a multi-center, multi-method implementation study with eleven sites within a healthcare organization using the physical therapy profession as an example. The purpose of AssessMobility is the development, implementation and evaluation of a knowledge transfer intervention aimed at integrating standardized assessments for measuring balance and mobility into routine care of neurological departments in a cross-setting approach.

AssessMobility is conceptualized as a collaborative project with clinical partners and based on the Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) cycle, an established process model for translating knowledge into practice. Additional models, theories and frameworks, such as the Theoretical Domains Framework, are applied within the KTA cycle. We outline the project phases using the KTA cycle and provide methodological considerations for the application of specific models, theories, and frameworks.