Implementation research for digital technologies and tuberculosis

Implementation research for digital technologies and tuberculosis

©2024 IR4DTB.ORG

Implementation research for digital technologies and tuberculosis

A toolkit for evaluating the implementation and scale-up of digital innovations across the tuberculosis continuum of care. Learn more...

Module 1 1

Preparing for implementation research

Preparing for implementation research
Introduces users to the fundamental concepts of IR and discusses the steps involved in identifying digital technologies to address implementation challenges and impacts.
Module 2 2

Developing IR objectives and questions

Developing IR objectives and questions
Guides users on how to transform an identified implementation challenge into an IR objective; develop IR questions; prioritise and justify the need for research ; and prepare a proposal introduction.
Module 3 3

Research methods

Research methods
Presents a review on implementation outcomes and the various essential research methods and tools available for: designing an appropriate study, including sampling, identifying the study population/ participants; cost-effectiveness; and addressing ethical considerations.
Module 4 4

Data management and analysis

Data management and analysis
Introduces common IR data analysis methodologies and provides guidance on method selection; key principles of data management, and quality assurance.
Module 5 5

Planning and conducting IR

Planning and conducting IR
Guides users through the preparation and planning needed to budget, launch, conduct, and monitor the intended IR project.
Module 6 6

Knowledge translation

Knowledge translation
Discusses the importance of translating IR findings into action and guides users on communication strategies used in knowledge translation.
About this toolkit

Digital technologies have significant potential to advance progress towards End TB targets

and are increasingly used as a tool for TB programmes in low and middle-income countries. Digital technologies are being applied in varied and innovative ways to help overcome some of the key challenges and barriers that limit efforts for prevention, detection, treatment and management of TB, such as digital tools to promote treatment adherence, support learning and knowledge dissemination, and improve the quality, accessibility, and sharing of TB programme data.

The Implementation research for digital technologies and TB toolkit (IR4DTB) has been designed for TB programme implementers (middle and senior-level managers) and other decision makers who are interested in trialling, or currently implementing, digital technology tools and are seeking guidance on how to conduct IR to evaluate the implementation and scale up of digital technologies within TB programmes. The toolkit is organised into six modules that reflect key steps in the IR process and guides users through conceptualising, budgeting, and preparing for an IR study. The activities and examples contained within this toolkit have been designed to facilitate the development of a comprehensive IR proposal that can be used to support fundraising efforts for future research.

Digital technologies supporting TB services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

Digital technologies are playing important roles in helping to address programmatic barriers in the clinical, social and economic management of TB disease, created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. IR4DTB can be used to support the rapid evaluation of digital innovations used by TB programmes in this period in order to document the barriers and facilitators to implementation and promote the sharing of lessons learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interested in using the toolkit and would like assistance?