Implementation Science Meets Change Management: Findings from the Participatory Development of a Short Course in a University Hospital Transformation

Abstract A world-renowned European university hospital is undergoing multiple transformations in the coming years, including major structural and procedural changes. Building internal competencies in implementation science has been identified as a key capacity-building strategy to support these efforts. Researchers from the Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care were invited to develop a tailored short teaching course, and an evaluation study was conducted to assess its impact on learning and the relevance of implementation science in guiding organizational transformation. The six-month course was developed through a participatory process with the University Hospital of Zurich. The target group consisted of operational project coordinators from various directorates who are regularly involved in change processes. The course aimed to enhance knowledge and skills, foster positive attitudes, and increase motivation to apply implementation science. Practical examples were used to strengthen both theoretical understanding and applied use of implementation science approaches and frameworks. A mixed-methods evaluation approach was used, including pre- and post-course questionnaires, focus groups, interviews, and group discussions with initiators, developers, and trainers. Participants perceived the course as acceptable and appropriate, with individual learning objectives largely achieved. Initial steps towards organizational learning were evident, and qualitative data provided deeper insights into the perceived value of implementation science as well as related challenges. Overall, the course demonstrates the potential for productive synergies between science and practice in shaping professional development. While implementation science has traditionally focused on supporting the delivery of evidence-based and evidence-informed interventions, it also offers rigorous methods and frameworks that can inspire, guide, and support the management of complex transformation.