This section is designed to help you understand the processes involved in implementation research (IR). Before starting, you should have already completed the TDR Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Implementation Research¹ and worked through the Introduction section of this Toolkit.

This module comprises six sections:

1. The need for IR: Highlights the central importance of a real-life problem in framing the research questions, the composition of the research team and the range of stakeholders to engage.
2. Implementation: Describes the three possible levels at which implementation outcomes can be measured, and stresses the underlying point that IR ultimately optimizes an intervention for better outcomes.
3. Characteristics of IR: Outlines the defining characteristics of IR.
4. How IR works: Maps out eight key activities in the IR process, considers the role of contextual factors and describes the crucial role of stakeholders in more detail.
5. Community engagement: Focuses on the community as a key stakeholder in the IR process.
6. Ethical challenges in IR: Employs case studies to illustrate some of the potential ethical issues surrounding IR.

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