Course Overview

Organizations across health, social services, education, humanitarian assistance, and international development increasingly use implementation science to help programs succeed in real-world settings. However, practitioners and evaluators often face dozens of overlapping models, theories, and frameworks. As a result, they may struggle to determine which approach best fits their needs.

This course provides a practical introduction to implementation science frameworks, using EPIS as an organizing tool. EPIS stands for Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment. Participants will learn how the framework describes different stages of implementation. They will also examine the contextual factors that influence progress across those stages.

In addition, participants will explore how EPIS can support the design, monitoring, and evaluation of complex change efforts.

The course also introduces complementary frameworks, including CFIR, RE-AIM, and Knowledge-to-Action. Participants will compare these approaches and determine when EPIS offers the best fit. They will also consider when another framework may work better and when combining frameworks adds value.

Through case examples, comparative analysis, and hands-on exercises, participants will develop a practical approach to selecting and applying implementation science frameworks in their own work.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of implementation science and distinguish among process, determinant, and evaluation frameworks
• Describe the four phases of the EPIS framework and the contextual factors that influence implementation
• Compare EPIS with other widely used implementation science frameworks
• Select frameworks that align with specific program design, implementation, monitoring, or evaluation needs
• Identify when complementary frameworks can be combined effectively
• Map a program, policy, or organizational initiative using the EPIS framework
• Apply implementation science concepts across health, education, social services, humanitarian, and international development settings

Course Format

This course includes two live, instructor-led virtual sessions.

Throughout the course, participants engage in comparative analysis, case-study review, guided exercises, and hands-on application. They also receive an implementation science framework comparison tool and an EPIS mapping template. These resources support continued application after the course.

Participants who successfully complete both modules receive a certificate of completion.

Module Breakdown

Module 1: Understanding the Implementation Science Landscape and Applying EPIS

Implementation science includes a wide range of models and frameworks designed to answer different questions. Some describe the stages of implementation, some help identify barriers and facilitators, and others focus on measuring implementation outcomes.

In this module, participants will learn how implementation science frameworks are commonly classified and where major frameworks fit within the broader landscape. Most frameworks fit primarily within one category, but EPIS spans two: it organizes implementation into four sequential phases, a process framework, while also examining the contextual factors that shape each phase, a determinant framework. They will then explore the EPIS framework in depth, including its four phases and its focus on outer context, inner context, innovation factors, and the relationships that connect different levels of an implementation effort.

Through examples and guided exercises, participants will begin mapping a program or initiative using EPIS and consider how implementation evolves over time.

Module 2: Selecting, Combining, and Applying Implementation Science Frameworks

No single framework is appropriate for every implementation challenge. This module helps participants determine when EPIS is a strong fit, when another framework may be more useful, and when complementary frameworks can be combined.

Participants will compare EPIS with frameworks such as CFIR, RE-AIM, the NIRN stages of framework implementation, and Knowledge-to-Action. They will examine how different frameworks address implementation stages, contextual barriers and facilitators, organizational systems, individual behavior, and implementation outcomes.

Using a worked case study and practical exercises, participants will select and apply frameworks to real or hypothetical programs. They will leave with a structured approach for choosing tools that match their program, organizational, and evaluation needs.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Evaluators and monitoring, evaluation, and learning professionals
• Program managers and implementation leads
• Evaluation commissioners and donors
• Researchers and practitioners working in health, education, social services, humanitarian assistance, or international development
• Professionals responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, or evaluating complex programs

Prerequisites

No prior experience with implementation science is required. Familiarity with program design, evaluation, or theories of change will be helpful but is not required. All materials will be provided.