5.A. - Scientific session: From theory to action - Applying the Medical Research Council framework on complex interventions:A Process Evaluation in a Randomized Controlled Trial among Adults with Acetabular Dysplasia

The reasons for the workshop: Globally, public health problems such as obesity, poor mental health, and social inequality in health are on the rise. Tackling these significant challenges require well-designed complex interventions. Such interventions rarely follow linear sequences from intervention design towards large-scale implementation. Rather, they take non-linear trajectories with constantly revising the intervention design according to the context. This thinking is outlined in the British Medical Research Council’s (MRC) framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions. This workshop encompasses four case projects, each corresponding to one of the four phases in the MRC framework: i) development, ii) feasibility, iii) implementation, and iv) evaluation. However, recognising the deliberately generic nature of this framework, the workshop also encompasses co-creation, process evaluation, and implementation methodology. The combination of these methodologies presents challenges that necessitate clear argumentation and critical reflection. Regrettably, published papers on complex intervention research often lack such clarity and reflection. In this workshop, we will share the challenges encountered when applying the MRC 2021 framework and hopefully inspire future innovative opportunities in intervention research. Specifically, this workshop aims to: i) Exchange challenges from intervention research methods and theories drawing on presenters’ experiences across four health promotion projects. Presenters will critically reflect on the key concepts from the MRC framework including context, programme theory, engagement of stakeholders, uncertainties, and refinement of interventions. ii) Discuss opportunities for future intervention research and outline best practices for using the MRC 2021 framework for complex interventions. The added value of organising the workshop: The audience attending this workshop will reflect on multiple on-the-ground experiences of applying methodology and principles from the MRC framework as well as methods and theories relevant to intervention research: co-creation, qualitative (e.g., ethnography, interviews) and quantitative (e.g. experimental, observational) methods applied to all core phases of complex interventions. At the end of the workshop, the audience will be invited to participate in an open, plenary discussion facilitated by the workshop's chairs: two international experts on complex interventions, Reader Rhiannon Evans and Prof. Helle Terkildsen Maindal. The experts will encourage the presenters and audience to reflect critically on the case projects. Coherence between the presentations in relation to the workshop topic: The four case projects are guided by the MRC framework for complex interventions and involve health promotion interventions at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels in Denmark and Canada. Key message 1: Tackling public health challenges demands innovative and well-designed complex interventions combining research traditions, principles from health promotion, and cutting-edge best-practice frameworks. Key message 2: The symposium will create a platform for cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange through case projects and an expert-led joint discussion on how to apply the MRC framework for complex interventions. Chairperson 1: (Email: Title, First name, Last name): htm@ph.au.dk: Dr. Helle Terkildsen Maindal Chairperson 2: (Email: Title, First name, Last name): evansRE8@cardiff.ac.dk: Dr. Rhiannon, Evans

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