A Partner-Engaged Approach to Developing an Implementation Research Logic Model for a Traumatic Brain Injury-Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program

Background: A partnered evaluation project with Veterans Health Administration Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program office uses a partner-engaged approach to characterize and evaluate the national implementation of traumatic brain injury (TBI)Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program (IETP). Objective: This paper illustrates a partner-engaged approach to contextualizing the IETP within an implementation research logic model (IRLM) to inform program sustainment and spread. Setting: The project was conducted at five IETP sites: Tampa, Richmond, San Antonio, Palo Alto, and Minneapolis. Participants: Partners included national and site program leaders, clinicians, Department of Defense Referral Representatives, and researchers. Participants included program staff ( n = 46) and Service Members/Veterans ( n = 48). Design: This paper represents a component of a larger participatory-based concurrent mixed methods quality improvement project. Main Measures: Participant scripts and demographic surveys. Methods: Datasets were analyzed using rapid iterative content analysis; IETP model was iteratively revised with partner feedback. Each site had an IETP clinical team member participate. The IRLM was contextualized within the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR); systematic consensus building expert reviewed implementation strategies; RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance); and Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF). Results: Analyses and partner feedback identified key characteristics, determinants, implementation strategies, mechanisms, and outcomes. Conclusions: This partner-engaged IRLM informs implementation and sustainment of a rehabilitation program for individuals with TBI. Findings will be leveraged to examine implementation, standardize core outcome measurements, and inform knowledge translation.