Drivers and restrainers to adoption and spread of evidence-based health service delivery interventions: The case of CAPABLE

Abstract

Context: Very few programs improve physical function among older adults and those that do should achieve farther reach.

Methods: We used Force Field Analysis to examine drivers and restrainers for the CAPABLE program to impact the function of older adults throughout the United States.

Findings: We found 19 distinct drivers for CAPABLE. These include robust research findings demonstrating clinical and economic utility, expansion from an evidence-based program, grounding in theory, high value to older adults themselves, and common sense approach. A major policy environment shifting towards value-based payment and payer flexibility to experiment with social determinants significantly changed the perception of the program's value by key stakeholders. We found 8 distinct restrainers.

Conclusions: Factors which drive and restrain CAPABLE provide lessons for other programs to move from research to sustainability. Policymakers, payers, and communities should look to proven programs as solutions to improve function for older adults and society.

Keywords: Equity; Function; Older adults; Social determinants.