Incorporating Equity Frameworks into Maternal Health Implementation Research
An equity-focused theory, model, or framework can provide a helpful guide on how to embed equity within each step of implementation research in maternal health
AMETHIST investigators have developed resource documents to support the work of maternal health researchers in topics related to implementation science study design and methodology, policy and communications, and community engagement. Recordings of past workshops, seminars, trainings, and forums on these topics are available individually below and externally on our YouTube Channel.
Use the filters to search for resources by type (video, document, or external link) and topic (general information, community engagement, design & methodology, policy & communications, and training & development)
Given the complex and multifactorial nature of health inequity, it is important to ground research within an equity-focused theory, model, or framework (TMF). A TMF can provide a helpful guide on how to embed equity within each step of the research process, rather than treat it as a secondary consideration. The full Incorporating Equity Frameworks into Maternal Health Implementation Research Resource Document describes equity-focused TMFs and provides examples of their use in health disparity research.
Measuring Reach in Maternal Health Implementation Research
Guides maternal health researchers through incorporating and measuring the implementation science concept of Reach
Reach comes from the RE-AIM planning and evaluation framework. It is seen as the combination of both the number of people reached by a policy or intervention and how representative they are of the target population. Other terms that are commonly used include penetration, spread, and service access. Reach is The absolute number, proportion, and representativeness of individuals who are willing to participate in a given initiative, intervention, or program, and the reasons why or why not. It can be measured quantitatively and qualitatively. This resource includes explanation of concepts, tools, theories, and examples from maternal health research.
Measuring Acceptability in a Maternal Health Equity Context
Incorporating and measuring acceptability in maternal health equity implementation research requires consideration of many concepts and perspectives.
Acceptability is the perception that a given treatment, service, practice, or innovation is agreeable, palatable, or satisfactory. This resource guides maternal health researchers through understanding acceptability concepts and integrating quantitative and qualitative measurements into research projects.
Part I: Getting To Implementation- GTI Teach
The AMETHIST@PENN November monthly seminar is hosted by LauraEllen Ashcraft, PhD, MSW, and reviews Getting to Implementation (GTI) - Teach.
Part II: Getting To Implementation- GTI Teach
The AMETHIST@Penn January 2024 Monthly Seminar is hosted by LauraEllen Ashcraft, PhD, MSW and is Part II of Getting to Implementation (GTI) - Teach.
Type I Hybrid Trials
Seminar hosted by Penn experts offers a fireside chat on Type I hybrid implementation trials and their role in advancing maternal health research and improving outcomes
Mixed Methods and Qualitative Research Introductory Workshop
Intro workshop led by Matthew Kearney, PhD, MPH, offering guidance on integrating mixed methods and qualitative approaches into implementation science research
Writing IRB Proposals for Implementation Research
March 2024 Monthly Seminar: Writing IRB Proposals for Implementation Research with Danielle Cullen, MD, MPH, MSHP & Amanda Bettencourt, PhD, APRN, CCRN-K, ACCNS-P
Implementation Cost Analyses
Seminar introduces cost analyses for implementation science as Dr. Heidi Harvie outlines methods to evaluate, interpret, and apply financial data in research
Implementation Outcomes Overview
LauraEllen Ashcraft, PhD, MSW leads an overview of implementation outcomes, explaining concepts like acceptability, feasibility, and usability and how to measure them
Increasing Rigor in Implementation Research: A Conversation About Best Practices
Session highlights best practices in implementation science, with AMETHIST experts discussing decision tracking, team communication, and maintaining rigor in research
Designing Implementation Science Research Studies
Session covers designing implementation science studies, including hybrid and stepped‑wedge designs, power issues, and lessons shared by Dr. Alisa Stephens Shields
Leveraging Systematic Reviews and Guidelines for Implementation Science Work
This workshop teaches viewers how to pragmatically determine whether reviews and guidelines are robust enough to serve as a basis for implementation science interventions
The Guided Understanding of Implementation, Development, & Education (GUIDE) Tool
Seminar introduces the GUIDE tool, offering adaptable worksheets and templates to help trainees and educators apply key implementation science concepts effectively
MMRL Workshop on Rapid Qualitative Analysis in Maternal Health Research
Workshop led by Matthew Kearney, PhD, MPH, introduces rapid qualitative analysis and mixed‑methods basics using maternal health examples for practical learning
Thorny Ethical Issues in Implementation Research
Katelin Hoskins, PhD, MBE leads a seminar on ethical challenges in implementation science, covering consent waivers, minimal risk, and a hybrid type II trial
AMETHIST@Penn September 2025 Seminar-Using Persuasive and Strategic Communication for Policy Impact
In this seminar, Emily Pfender, PhD, explores how persuasive and strategic communication can be leveraged to influence attitudes, behaviors, and policy outcomes.