Since the STEPS program is the first of this type in the world, it is imperative to conduct pre-implementation assessments of the program’s fit with the host institution (OTU), which will increase a) future local implementation and sustainability, and b) project adoption and spread of the program to other academic institutions.
Pre-implementation research refers to the activities and investigations that take place before the actual implementation of a program. This type of research is crucial for ensuring that the subsequent implementation is well-informed, effective, and aligned with the STEPS program’s intended goals.
The research question guiding this component of the work is: What are the program and implementation site (i.e., academic institution) factors that need to be aligned to increase the likelihood of the program’s future deployment? To accomplish this, I will conduct the following activities:
- Policy and environmental scan to assess the policy landscape and environmental factors that may influence future implementation. This involves examining relevant laws, regulations, funding sources, and community or organizational dynamics.
- I will use interviews and focus groups with leadership from OTU and the Faculty of Health Sciences, faculty members, and students. These will follow the Hexagon Tool to identify the fit of the STEPS program with the local context. The Hexagon Tool considers six key facets that influence future implementation success: infrastructure, human resources, organizational capacity, financial resources, and context. By analyzing and addressing each of these dimensions, I will be able to develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines the specific steps, activities, and timelines required to bring the program to fruition.
