A Scoping Review of the Concept and Development of the Active Implementation Framework in Implementation Science

doi:10.12104/j.issn.1674-4748.2025.16.018

Abstract：Objective: To conduct a scoping review of the concept and development of the Active Implementation Framework (AIF) in implementation science, providing references for clinical healthcare professionals to carry out evidence-based practice and select appropriate theoretical models. Methods: Using the scoping review method proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, literature related to the concept and development of AIF in implementation science was systematically retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Biological Medicine Database, VIP Database, PubMed, Web of Science, and Being, with a time range from January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2023. Information on the content characteristics and application progress of AIF was extracted and reviewed. Results: A total of 32 full-text articles were included, including 2 articles introducing the concepts of implementation science and its frameworks, 2 articles introducing AIF, 3 articles on scoping review frameworks, and 25 articles on the clinical application of AIF. There are significant differences in the application of AIF between China and abroad, mainly reflected in three themes. 1) Differences in the application of AIF: AIF has been applied in areas such as evidence-based medicine, evidence-based nursing, community education, and healthcare in foreign countries, while no relevant literature has been found in China. 2) Research types using AIF: Foreign studies mainly focus on the process of translating theory into practice, whereas research in China is relatively limited. 3) Practical experience and academic development support: Due to historical and cultural backgrounds, researchers abroad have more extensive experience in applying and implementing AIF. Therefore, when promoting and applying AIF in China, it is necessary to fully consider cultural differences between China and abroad and explore research models and methods suitable for China's nursing context, thereby promoting more extensive and in-depth application of AIF. Conclusion: Clinical nursing staff should choose appropriate implementation science frameworks based on the research direction and content of evidence-based practice projects, to promote the continuous, effective, and institutionalized application of evidence-based practice based on the best evidence in clinical work, and improve patient outcomes.