Implementation Research in Community Based Rehabilitation

Implementation research (IR) is a non-traditional methodology of research that enables the examination of application of multiple interventions within the complexities of the real-world, and the generation of solutions for emergent needs, especially in countries of low-moderate income. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is an evolving field of practice that lacks research traditions. Evidence guiding the practice of healthcare professionals in CBR and supporting its implementation is fragmented. A review of the literature was conducted to identify research studies pertinent to the employment of IR in CBR. This paper demonstrates that the principles of IR resonate with the principles of inclusion, equality, empowerment and partnership of CBR. It also posits that IR can serve as a research tradition to underpin and guide the conduction of research studies in CBR, and to provide the necessary evidence to support its accountability.