Evidence to practice – lessons learnt in developing an implementation strategy for an online digital health intervention (Eczema Care Online)

Abstract

Abstract Background – Research is not often readily taken up in healthcare, which results in research waste. Eczema Care Online (www.EczemaCareOnline.org.uk/) has been shown in randomised controlled trials to be an effective online self-management intervention to improve eczema outcomes. Implementation requires adoption at patient/family, clinician and organisational levels. This paper aims to describe the lessons learnt from developing and delivering an implementation strategy for an online digital health intervention for eczema self-management. Methods – Data from systematic reviews, stakeholder consultation meetings, interviews with trial participants, intervention usage data during the trial, and existing eczema information websites informed our implementation plan. Using Normalisation Process Theory, an implementation plan combined these findings with practical, context-specific actions to encourage wider adoption of the intervention. Results – Barriers and facilitators to implementation were identified. Key lessons learnt include 1) start implementation work early 2) maintain flexibility to explore multiple routes to implementation 3) use secondary data sources 4) balance theory with practicalities 5) consider longer-term maintenance beyond the life of the research project. Conclusion – Implementation planning is a key stage of the research process that is often not adequately resourced. Implementation planning ensures effective interventions developed and evaluated in research studies are utilised in everyday practice.