Implementation and methodology research
The research group for Implementation research and Method development (FIM) works to strengthen evidence‑based decision-making in health and welfare services.
The research group for Implementation research and Method development (FIM) works to strengthen evidence‑based decision-making in health and welfare services. The group is a multidisciplinary, methodologically strong environment with expertise in implementation research, evidence synthesis, guideline methodology, statistics, epidemiology, qualitative methods, and Evidence‑Based Research (EBR).
FIM consists of researchers with leading roles in national and international networks, including National Network for Implementation Research (NIMP), WHO collaborations, Cochrane, GRADE, and the EBR Network. The group represents a methodologically robust community within the development, assessment, and implementation of evidence for health and welfare services.
We study how relevant and reliable knowledge is produced, appraised, integrated, and applied in practice and education. This includes the development and quality assurance of clinical guidelines, implementation of evidence‑based interventions, and the development of tools and learning resources that support decision‑makers and professionals.
Evidence-based research is a central part of the group’s profile, focusing on how research should build on existing evidence, be transparently planned, and interpreted in light of prior knowledge to reduce research waste and increase relevance and value.
The researsh group collaborates closely with municipal services, public agencies, and national and international research environments.
Our Thematic Research Areas
Evidence based decision-making
FIM examines how research evidence, clinical expertise, user values, and contextual factors can be systematically integrated to strengthen decision‑making in health and welfare services.
We study
- the quality and relevance of the evidence base
- processes in decision support (policy, guidelines, clinical decision-making)
- factors that influence the use of evidence in practice
Guideline methodology and improved decision support
FIM holds strong methodological expertise in
- development and adaptation of clinical guidelines
- GRADE, GRADE‑CERQual, and Evidence‑to‑Decision frameworks
- use of simulation as a learning and decision-making tool
- research on the quality, uptake, and implementation of guidelines
This includes support to national and international decision-makers through HVL’s work as a WHO Collaborating Centre.
Implementation research
FIM studies how evidence‑based interventions can best be implemented in complex services.
We investigate
- barriers and facilitators for implementation
- organisational and cultural factors
- strategies that promote sustainable change
- interdisciplinary and practice‑oriented implementation processes
Evidence synthesis and method development
The group has broad expertise in
- evidence syntheses (qualitative, quantitative, mixed‑methods, and scoping reviews)
- assessment of research quality, relevance, and context
- development and validation of measurement instruments
- quantitative and qualitative methods, psychometrics, and meta‑analysis
Evidence Based Research (EBR)
EBR is a core element of FIM’s scientific profile.
We study how new research should
- be justified by existing evidence
- be planned based on systematic reviews
- be conducted transparently
- be interpreted in the context of previous studies to ensure usefulness
Our aim is to
- reduce research waste
- ensure that research addresses real knowledge gaps
- increase quality, relevance, and value in health research
FIM plays a central role in the Evidence Based Research Network, international COST actions, and global methodological initiatives advancing EBR.
Education and competence research
FIM develops and evaluates
- digital learning tools (such as EBPsteps)
- interdisciplinary educational models
- teaching designs that strengthen critical thinking and evidence‑based practice
Our research ensures that future health and welfare professionals develop strong competence in using and appraising research.
