Theory, Model, and Framework Comparison and Selection Tool (T-CaST)

What is the purpose of this tool?

Implementation researchers can use this tool to assess the utilization of one or more theory, model, or framework (TMF) in a particular project. More specifically, the tool can be used for:
- Considering the characteristics of TMFs most important for the project
- Presenting characteristics to stakeholders to identify their priorities
- Evaluating the ways in which one or more TMF meets the needs of the project
- Comparing potential TMFs to select the best fit for the project
- Identifying ways in which multiple TMFs can complement one another to address all important criteria
- Communicating to various stakeholders reasons why a TMF was selected
- Increasing transparency related to TMF selection and use in reporting (manuscripts, grants, etc.)
How was this tool developed?

This tool was developed by the Dissemination and Implementation Methods Unit at the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute (NC TraCS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under the leadership of Principal Investigator Sarah A. Birken. You can read more about the process for criteria selection and tool development at https://rdcu.be/bbTLQ.

Where can I find TMFs to use with this tool?

An inventory of D&I TMFs can be found at www.dissemination-implementation.org.

Please note that this resource is likely not inclusive of all TMFs that can be used in implementation research and practice. For example, Strifler et al. (2018) identified 159 TMFs used in implementation studies.
Access T-CaST

Paper Tools

T-CaST for Implementation Researchers (pdf)
T-CaST for Implementation Practitioners (pdf)

Online Tool
Terms and Conditions. Please check this box to agree to the terms and conditions for using this tool.*
By using this form, you agree that you are age 18 or older and understand that information you submit through this tool will be stored in a database at UNC Chapel Hill. UNC Chapel Hill may view the information you provide for quality improvement purposes. You agree to receive an email containing a pdf of your completed theory selection tool. If you opt into research, the information you provide may be used for research and evaluation purposes. If you opt into crowd-sourcing, your information may be used for assessing fit and/or contacting you regarding contributing to our collection of crowd-sourced examples. You can request that your information be removed from the database by contacting tcast@unc.edu.
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Email*
An email address is required so we can send you a pdf of your completed theory comparison tool. If you opt into research and evaluation and/or crowdsourcing, we may also use this email address to contact you in the future.
Opt into Research and Evaluation
Please check this box if you allow us to use the information you provide in this tool for research and evaluation purposes. Information about your project and theory comparison will only be reported in aggregate; we will not report any individual data. Your email address will not be shared in any reports or other published materials. In addition, we may contact you in the future to request your feedback on the tool. You may decline any future requests for feedback, and you may withdraw your participation at any time by contacting tcast@unc.edu.
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Opt into Crowd-Sourcing
Please check this box if you allow us to use your completed tool as an example to be available to other T-CaST users. If you opt into crowd-sourcing, your completed tool may be made available on our website (impsci.tracs.unc.edu) or shared in other ways with potential T-CaST users. Your email address will not be shared or posted, and you may request that we remove your completed tool from our website at any time by contacting tcast@unc.edu.
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