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Implementation Science
Published in: Implementation Science 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research article

Development of a theory of implementation and integration: Normalization Process Theory

Authors: Carl R May, Frances Mair, Tracy Finch, Anne MacFarlane, Christopher Dowrick, Shaun Treweek, Tim Rapley, Luciana Ballini, Bie Nio Ong, Anne Rogers, Elizabeth Murray, Glyn Elwyn, France Légaré, Jane Gunn, Victor M Montori

Published in: Implementation Science | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

Theories are important tools in the social and natural sciences. The methods by which they are derived are rarely described and discussed. Normalization Process Theory explains how new technologies, ways of acting, and ways of working become routinely embedded in everyday practice, and has applications in the study of implementation processes. This paper describes the process by which it was built.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2008, we developed a theory. We derived a set of empirical generalizations from analysis of data collected in qualitative studies of healthcare work and organization. We developed an applied theoretical model through analysis of empirical generalizations. Finally, we built a formal theory through a process of extension and implication analysis of the applied theoretical model.

Results

Each phase of theory development showed that the constructs of the theory did not conflict with each other, had explanatory power, and possessed sufficient robustness for formal testing. As the theory developed, its scope expanded from a set of observed regularities in data with procedural explanations, to an applied theoretical model, to a formal middle-range theory.

Conclusion

Normalization Process Theory has been developed through procedures that were properly sceptical and critical, and which were opened to review at each stage of development. The theory has been shown to merit formal testing.
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Metadata
Title
Development of a theory of implementation and integration: Normalization Process Theory
Authors
Carl R May
Frances Mair
Tracy Finch
Anne MacFarlane
Christopher Dowrick
Shaun Treweek
Tim Rapley
Luciana Ballini
Bie Nio Ong
Anne Rogers
Elizabeth Murray
Glyn Elwyn
France Légaré
Jane Gunn
Victor M Montori
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Implementation Science / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1748-5908
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-4-29

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