Table 1.

Criteria to assess implementation theories for use in chronic and complex care

Criteria for implementation theories derived directly from concepts of care for chronic conditions

• Applicable generally in health care - or specifically designed for chronic and complex conditions

• Consistent with multi-disciplinary health care

• Consistent with different degrees of involvement by several organisations

• Structures assessment, action and evaluation across levels ie micro, meso and macro, ideally all three.

• Consistent with patient and potentially carer involvement in care

Broader criteria for implementation theories for chronic and complex conditions

• Provides structure for investigation of change requirements

• Transparent empirical or theoretical basis

• Provides guidance for measurements of concepts making up the theory.