Table 1

Study aims related to each phase of implementation

Phase of implementationStudy aimRelevant RE-AIM componentsData collection methods
Pre- implementationDescribe the timeline and process of setting up the new programmes in the cancer serviceN/AContemporaneous log
Describe the challenges of setting up the programmes in the cancer service and the ways these are addressed including the experiences of the health professionals and managers involved in set-upN/AContemporaneous log, interviews with healthcare professionals and managers
Early implementationDescribe the timeline and process of introducing SMS and DCPC in a small number of clinicsImplementation, AdoptionContemporaneous log
Describe the challenges associated with day-to-day running and how these are addressedImplementation, Adoption, EffectivenessContemporaneous log, interviews with healthcare professionals
Describe the experiences of healthcare professionals involved in SMS and DCPCImplementation, Adoption, Effectiveness, ReachInterviews with healthcare professionals
Describe patients’ experience of SMS and DCPC and how these affect their use of themEffectiveness, ReachInterviews with patients
Measure the clinical effectiveness of DCPC by comparing patient outcomes with those achieved in clinical trialsEffectivenessRoutine clinical data
Measure the proportion and characteristics of the target population who have access to and who use SMS and DCPCReachRoutine clinical data
Implementation and maintenanceDescribe the timeline and process of the introduction of SMS and DCPC in the majority of clinicsAdoption, MaintenanceContemporaneous log
Describe the challenges associated with implementation and long-term maintenance and how these are addressedImplementation, MaintenanceContemporaneous log, interviews with healthcare professionals
Describe the challenges of delivering SMS and DCPC as intended and adaptations made to the programmesImplementation, MaintenanceContemporaneous log, interviews with healthcare professionals
Describe the experiences of healthcare professionals involved in SMS and DCPCAdoption, EffectivenessInterviews with healthcare professionals
Describe patients’ experience of SMS and DCPC and how these affect their use of themEffectiveness, ReachInterviews with patients
Measure the effectiveness of DCPC over time by comparing patient outcomes with those achieved in clinical trialsEffectiveness, MaintenanceRoutine clinical data
Determine the extent to which SMS and DCPC are delivered as intendedImplementationRoutine clinical data
Measure the proportion and characteristics of the target population who have access to and who use SMS & DCPC over timeReachRoutine clinical data
Measure the cost of delivering SMS and DCPCImplementationRoutine clinical data

  • DCPC, Depression Care for People with Cancer; N/A, not applicable; RE-AIM, Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance; SMS, Symptom Monitoring Service.