How Single Is "Single" - Some Pragmatic Reflections on Single Versus Multifaceted Interventions to Facilitate Implementation Comment on "Translating Evidence Into Healthcare Policy and Practice: Single Versus Multifaceted Implementation Strategies – Is There a Simple Answer to a Complex Question?"

Abstract

An earlier overview of systematic reviews and a subsequent editorial on single-component versus multifaceted interventions to promote knowledge translation (KT) highlight complex issues in implementation science. In this supplemented commentary, further aspects are in focus; we propose examples from (KT) studies probing the issue of single interventions. A main point is that defining what is a single and what is a multifaceted intervention can be ambiguous, depending on how the intervention is conceived. Further, we suggest additional perspectives in terms of strategies to facilitate implementation. More specifically, we argue for a need to depict not only what activities are done in implementation interventions, but to unpack functions in particular contexts, in order to support the progress of implementation science.

Sustainability of knowledge implementation in a low- and middle- income context: Experiences from a facilitation project in Vietnam targeting maternal and neonatal health

“…Several strategies are available to support knowledge implementation, such as education, decision support, organisational and patient-oriented strategies and social interaction [ 5 ]. Yet, when to apply particular strategies [ 5 – 8 ] and whether selected strategies are best used as single-component or multifaceted strategies [ 9 , 10 ], remains unsettled. Further, studies in low- and middle-income countries focusing on knowledge implementation strategies for improving women’s and children’s health are still limited [ 11 ].…”

In-hospital interventions to promote relational practice with families in acute care settings: A scoping review

“…Similar to other interventional studies by Torke et al ( 2016 ) and Heyland et al ( 2018 ), the majority of the reviewed studies described multiple-component interventions. However, there is no compelling evidence that indicates whether multicomponent interventions are more effectively translated to practice than single-component interventions (Eldh & Wallin 2015 ; Squires et al 2014 ). The majority of the reviewed studies focused on nurses as participants in their interventions.…”

Multifaceted interventions for supporting community participation among adults with disabilities: A systematic review

“…Other reports examining the impact of a single intervention on community participation for adults with disabilities include a study of transportation vouchers (Samuel, Lacey, Giertz, Hobden, & LeRoy, 2013 ), an exercise intervention (Dean et al, 2012 ), and a cognitive intervention to reduce fear of falling and associated avoidance of activity among older adults with disabilities (Haastregt et al, 2007 ). However, our theoretical orientation is on reviewing the effectiveness of multifaceted interventions, which are defined as interventions that address two or more aspects for change (Eldh & Wallin, 2015 ). People with complex and multiple support needs are likely to benefit from more comprehensive, multifaceted interventions that target multiple aspects for change.…”