Table 1 Definitions of quality dimensions and implementation outcomes

Quality Dimensions (from the Alberta Quality Matrix for Health)

 Acceptability

Health services are respectful and responsive to user needs, preferences, and expectations

 Accessibility

Health services are obtained in the most suitable setting in a reasonable time and distance

 Appropriateness

Health services are relevant to user needs and are based on accepted or evidence-based practice

 Effectiveness

Health services are based on scientific knowledge to achieve desired outcomes

 Efficiency

Resources are optimally used in achieving desired outcomes

 Safety

Mitigate risks to avoid unintended or harmful results

Implementation Outcomes (from Proctor et al.’s Taxonomy)

 Acceptability

Perception among implementation stakeholders that a given treatment, service, practice, or innovation is agreeable, palatable, or satisfactory

 Adoption

Intention, initial decision, or action to try or employ an innovation or evidence-based practice

 Appropriateness

Perceived fit, relevance, or compatibility of the innovation or evidence-based practice for a given practice setting, provider, or consumer; and/or perceived fit of the innovation to address a particular issue or problem

 Feasibility

Extent to which a new treatment, or an innovation, can be successfully used or carried out within a given agency or setting

 Fidelity

Degree to which an intervention was implemented as it was prescribed in the original protocol or as it was intended by the program developers

 Cost

Cost impact of an implementation effort

 Penetration

Integration of a practice within a service setting and its subsystems

 Sustainability

Extent to which a newly implemented treatment is maintained or institutionalized with a service setting’s ongoing, stable operations