The Critical Role of KT Practitioners during Pre-Implementation

A team collaborates around a table with laptops and documents in a bright office.

Have you ever been involved with an implementation project and struggled getting buy-in from the whole team?  Maybe the team wasn’t convinced about the idea.  According to Alley et al (2023) only 15% of implementation projects are successful, and success is primarily determined by the pre-implementation phase.

What Is Pre-Implementation?

Pre-implementation is the essential preparatory phase that occurs before a project or program is formally launched. This stage lays the groundwork for successful onboarding and implementation using a collaborative process.

The pre-implementation phase typically includes three core stages:

  1. Engagement – Bringing stakeholders together and fostering initial buy-in
  2. Consideration of Feasibility – Assessing whether the project can succeed in the local context
  3. Readiness Planning – Ensuring all technical, organizational, and human resources are in place for launch[2][3][4]

A rigorous pre-implementation process prevents problems later by clarifying expectations, aligning goals, and reducing costly changes during implementation[3][2]. In fact, research suggests that the success of the pre-implementation phase predicts the outcome of the implementation project!

Building Buy-In Before Change Happens

Knowledge translation (KT) practitioners are not only vital during and after implementation, but they are also essential before implementation even begins. Their early involvement is crucial for building support, addressing concerns, and ensuring that stakeholders are engaged and on board with upcoming changes.

Why Early Engagement Matters

  • KT practitioners facilitate stakeholder engagement from the outset, using structured methods to gather input, address concerns, and build consensus[1].
  • Early engagement helps to clarify the needs, expectations, and potential barriers faced by those who will be affected by the change, ensuring that the implementation plan is relevant and feasible[2][1].
  • By involving stakeholders in pre-implementation, KT practitioners foster a sense of ownership and shared purpose, which is critical for successful adoption and sustainability of new practices[1].

Maximizing Impact Through Proactive KT

Involving KT practitioners before implementation ensures that change initiatives are not imposed top-down but are co-developed with those who will enact and sustain them. This proactive approach reduces resistance, increases readiness, and lays the groundwork for effective, lasting change[2][1].

In summary, KT practitioners are indispensable in the pre-implementation phase, where their skills in engagement, communication, and change management help get people on board and set the stage for successful, evidence-based improvements.

Ready to Build Your Skills as a KT Practitioner?

If you are a clinician or leader and want to learn more about the KT practitioner’s role in pre-implementation, consider the Essential Skills for the Knowledge Translation Practitioner offered by the Institute for Knowledge Translation.

Course Faculty:
Jennifer Moore PT, DHSc, NCS, Founder of the Institute for Knowledge Translation
Wendy Romney, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS

Course Description:
This online course empowers healthcare professionals to plan and execute KT projects using evidence-based strategies, interactive coursework, and mentoring. Participants will develop a KT plan tailored to their organization, with support from experienced faculty. The program is ideal for those seeking to implement evidence-based practices and drive real change in healthcare settings.