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BMC Medicine
Published in: BMC Medicine 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Debate

Normalisation process theory: a framework for developing, evaluating and implementing complex interventions

Authors: Elizabeth Murray, Shaun Treweek, Catherine Pope, Anne MacFarlane, Luciana Ballini, Christopher Dowrick, Tracy Finch, Anne Kennedy, Frances Mair, Catherine O'Donnell, Bie Nio Ong, Tim Rapley, Anne Rogers, Carl May

Published in: BMC Medicine | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

The past decade has seen considerable interest in the development and evaluation of complex interventions to improve health. Such interventions can only have a significant impact on health and health care if they are shown to be effective when tested, are capable of being widely implemented and can be normalised into routine practice. To date, there is still a problematic gap between research and implementation. The Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) addresses the factors needed for successful implementation and integration of interventions into routine work (normalisation).

Discussion

In this paper, we suggest that the NPT can act as a sensitising tool, enabling researchers to think through issues of implementation while designing a complex intervention and its evaluation. The need to ensure trial procedures that are feasible and compatible with clinical practice is not limited to trials of complex interventions, and NPT may improve trial design by highlighting potential problems with recruitment or data collection, as well as ensuring the intervention has good implementation potential.

Summary

The NPT is a new theory which offers trialists a consistent framework that can be used to describe, assess and enhance implementation potential. We encourage trialists to consider using it in their next trial.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Normalisation process theory: a framework for developing, evaluating and implementing complex interventions
Authors
Elizabeth Murray
Shaun Treweek
Catherine Pope
Anne MacFarlane
Luciana Ballini
Christopher Dowrick
Tracy Finch
Anne Kennedy
Frances Mair
Catherine O'Donnell
Bie Nio Ong
Tim Rapley
Anne Rogers
Carl May
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medicine / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-8-63

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