Implementation Science in Patient-Oriented Research Certificate

This certificate course runs annually from October to December and is part of the AbSPORU Leadership in Patient-Oriented Research Microcredential.

COURSE DATES: OCTOBER 14 - DECEMBER 10

Implementation Science is the scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice, and, hence, to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services and care. It includes the study of influences on healthcare professional and organisational behaviour.

- Martin Eccles & Brian Mittman (2016), Welcome to Implementation Science

Overview

The Implementation Science in Patient-Oriented Research Certificate course covers theory, methodology, and practical work, encompassing elements that are common across Implementation Science (IS) theory, methods, and frameworks. This course provides a breadth of knowledge and skill in IS with ample opportunity to discuss the concepts with other learners and the course moderators.

This course was developed in collaboration with subject matter experts across Alberta’s academic, research, health-system, and policy sectors stakeholders. Examples used throughout the course will primarily focus on the context in Alberta, but the course is open to participants from outside Alberta.

Learn more about implementation science in Alberta, and its role in a learning health system.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Before registering, please ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

Completion of a related post-secondary degree or equivalent work experience;
Currently employed or aiming to work in the social sciences, human services, and/or health sectors – (This includes advanced undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows); and
Have an existing evidence-practice gap project to work on throughout the course.

Fall 2025 Fee Estimates:

Alberta Residents: $300 + fees (proof of Alberta residency may be requested)
Non-Alberta Residents: $1500 + fees

After registering, please ensure you complete the following prerequisites before the course start date:

Certificate of completion of the Inspiring Change 2.0 foundational Implementation Science learning module (free, 1.5 hrs)

Format and Workload Expectations

Delivered fully online over 9 weeks, this course offers bi-weekly live webinars led by implementation science and patient-oriented research experts. Asynchronous videos, readings, online discussion forums, and project-based assignments provide opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge you are learning, and to connect with others to share ideas and experiences. Plan to spend 3-4 hours on these course activities each week.

Participants will also have the opportunity for one-on-one coaching from the course moderator.

Course Syllabus

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Discuss different IS concepts and describe how to apply them
Select and apply theories, models, and frameworks to address an implementation problem
Understand who needs to be involved in implementation, how to engage with everyone involved, and how to appraise engagement with an equity lens
Develop plans to assess knowledge needs and determine readiness
Consider barriers and facilitators when selecting implementation strategies
Select and apply appropriate evaluation tools, models and frameworks to develop an evaluation plan
Identify important considerations for sustaining the long-term impact of an intervention
Incorporate equity considerations into all steps of the process

Content

The Implementation Science in Patient-Oriented Research course covers:

Building the Case for Implementation Science
Implementation Science Concepts, Theories, Models, & Frameworks
Identifying Who Needs to be Involved and How to Communicate with Them
Engagement and Assessing Readiness
Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation
Co-designing Implementation Plans
Evaluating Implementation
Planning for Sustainability

Questions?

Contact Diane Christensen

CALGARY

University of Calgary Foothills Campus
3330 Hospital Dr NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1

EDMONTON

College Plaza
1702, 8215 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8

Land Acknowledgment

The Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit operates on and acknowledges the lands that are the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, presently subject to Treaties 6, 7, and 8. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuu T’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta. This includes the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. We make this acknowledgment as a reaffirmation of our shared commitment towards reconciliation, and as part of AbSPORU’s mandate towards fostering health system transformation.

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