Table 3 Past IS training of interview participants (N = 39)

Definition of IS

Putting program/intervention into action by closing research-to-practice gap

19

48.7

Study and application of scientific methods to design, implement, and scale programs

10

25.6

Understanding implementation of programs and how they effect change for the purpose of replication/improvement

4

10.3

Translation of research into policy change

3

7.7

Improving impact of an intervention

2

5.1

Application of IS in work

To frame/guide evaluation of implementation efforts

16

41.0

To design/adapt new programs or strategies

9

23.1

To influence policy

6

15.4

To frame/guide implementation research activities

5

12.8

To train others to implement

3

7.7

To guide scaling up

3

7.7

To help report implementation efforts

2

5.1

To engage stakeholders

2

5.1

To guide dissemination efforts

1

2.6

Ongoing quality improvement/learning

1

2.6

Unable to describe how IS applies to work

5

12.8

IS topics and tools used

Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks

11

28.2

Other theories of change

6

15.4

Quality improvement methods

5

12.8

Determinants frameworks

5

12.8

Process framework

2

5.1

EPIS

1

2.6

Not applying IS-specific framework/tools or unable to identify

15

38.5

Past IS learning experience

In-person workshop/short course

14

35.9

No formal training

16

41.0

Online resources

7

17.9

Online courses

6

15.4

Graduate program

5

12.8

Textbook/journal

4

10.3

Self-study

6

15.4

Alliance/learning collaborative

3

7.7

Conferences

2

5.1

Practical experience/application

4

10.3

Fellowship

1

2.6

Podcast

1

2.6

Usefulness of past IS training

Helped understand what IS is and how it is applied

5

12.8

Learned new approaches to research

4

10.3

Provided new ways of framing existing work

3

7.7

Learned new approaches to job duties

3

7.7

Basic knowledge

2

5.1

Usefulness limited by lack of opportunity to apply

2

5.1

Improved quality of work

2

5.1

Adequate knowledge

1

2.6

Non-IS training did not meet IS-specific needs

1

2.6

Useful to receive training related to project and program management

1

2.6

Preparation before training and access to materials

1

2.6

Gaps in training

How to apply IS (e.g., theories and frameworks) in practice

15

38.5

How to convey IS to other stakeholders

4

10.3

Mentorship

2

5.1

Planning for sustainability

1

2.6

Importance of exposure to multiple perspectives within IS

1

2.6

Need for retrospective reflection to determine program impact

1

2.6

Proposal writing

1

2.6

Difficulty working with people in other roles

1

2.6

How to use learnings to influence policy change

1

2.6

How to display findings (data visualization)

1

2.6

Evaluating literature and evidence

1

2.6

How to design research study

1

2.6

Methods of addressing training gaps

Consult others

5

12.8

Self-study

3

7.7

Mentorship

1

2.6

Tutoring session at conference

1

2.6

Barriers to addressing training gaps

Language

5

12.8

Time

3

7.7

Location of training

1

2.6

Training fees

1

2.6

Experts are in other countries and busy

2.6

Ongoing IS learning approach

Conferences/Workshops

5

12.8

Online courses

4

10.3

Through practice

4

10.3

Self-study

4

10.3

Reading journal articles

4

10.3

Meeting with knowledgeable colleagues

3

7.7

Continuous medical education

1

2.6

WhatsApp group

1

2.6

Online databases/resources

1

2.6

Ongoing learning needs identification

Through conversations with colleagues in the field

1

2.6

Through conferences/trainings

1

2.6

Through reviewing literature

1

2.6

Through practice

1

2.6