The second significant phase in the Implementation Roadmap is Implementation: the deployment and integration of the evidence-based practice. Although it may sound straightforward, this phase often calls for additional adjustments. These adaptations are based on your progress evaluation and feedback from your various implementing partners.

Progress tracking is a critical aspect of ensuring the success of a healthcare intervention. It serves several purposes: One of the most crucial ways to ensure the success of a healthcare intervention is to track its progress.

Ideally progress tracking happens in real time, but can also occur at designated intervals using tools like iPRISM webtool.

Why progress tracking matters

• Identify What Works: Tracking helps you figure out what parts of the program are effective and what needs improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: By pinpointing areas that aren't working, you can make necessary improvements.
• Recognize Success: It also allows you to acknowledge and enhance what is already working well.

Learn more about how other real-world programs have done progress tracking. You can also download a template with three examples to aid in your tracking efforts

1. Identify Your Implementation Team

Determine who will be responsible for implementing the program and clarify their roles and expectations.

2. Define Core Components/Functions

Identify the essential components or functions of your program to ensure consistent delivery.

3. Engage Relevant Implementing Partners

Collaborate with partners who can influence and contribute to the implementation's success.

4. Prepare an Evaluation Plan

Define what a successful implementation looks like and the desired outcomes.

5. Conduct a Pre-Implementation Assessment

Gather data using interviews, process mapping, and other methods to identify key trends and perspectives.

6. Make Necessary Adjustments

Adapt the program to fit your environment and workflow while minimizing any negative impact.

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To track and improve your healthcare intervention's progress, we recommend using the RE-AIM framework. RE-AIM stands for Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. It has been a valuable tool in healthcare research and various programs for over two decades, covering areas such as aging, cancer screening, disease self-management, nursing research, and more.

The Adaptations Guided by Iterative RE-AIM page outlines a five-step process for using the RE-AIM dimensions to identify areas that may require adaptation during implementation. Additionally, you can find an interactive worksheet to track your program's progress across the five RE-AIM dimensions.

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Besides planned adaptations made before program initiation, adjustments may be necessary while the program is in use. These adaptations can also be planned, and we suggest the following method:

• Step 1: Conduct mid-course evaluations to assess program implementation progress, typically every six months. Engage your team members, each offering different perspectives on progress.
• Step 2: As a team, identify one or two areas you'd like to improve during this stage of implementation.
• Step 3: Develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) goals and an action plan to make changes to your program and its delivery.
• Step 4: Follow up with your team to monitor progress in implementing your SMART goals and evaluate the desirability of the progress.
• Step 5: Document any changes made to the program and its delivery to maintain a record of adaptations.

This iterative approach ensures that your healthcare intervention remains effective and responsive to evolving needs and challenges.

Feel free to explore the provided resources, templates, and examples to aid you on your implementation journey. We're here to support your success.

For your program to succeed, all five RE-AIM dimensions need to be functioning effectively. Approximately midway through your healthcare intervention's implementation, we recommend using the Mid-Program Progress Quiz. This quiz helps you rate how well your program is performing and offers suggestions for improvements.

You can download the quiz, which is in an MS Excel format. As you rate each RE-AIM dimension, the quiz automatically generates a graph showing your results. You can save and share this quiz with your team to collaborate on improvements.