A Full-Cycle Analysis of the EPIS Framework: Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment

Zizhen HUANG; Dong XU; Dongmei ZHONG; Zhiqing NING; Junlin ZHU; Qingqing LI; Wanqing HUANG; Kera SWANSON; Gregory A AARONS

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A Full-Cycle Analysis of the EPIS Framework: Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment

VernacularTitle:EPIS框架的全周期解析：探索-准备-实施-维持
Author: Zizhen HUANG ¹ ; Dong XU ² ; Dongmei ZHONG ³ ; Zhiqing NING ¹ ; Junlin ZHU ¹ ; Qingqing LI ³ ; Wanqing HUANG ⁴ ; Kera SWANSON ⁵ ; Gregory A. AARONS ⁶
Author Information

1. Acacia Lab for Implementation Science, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
2. Acacia Lab for Implementation Science, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;Southern Medical University Institute for Global Health(SIGHT), Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China;Center for World Health Organization Studies, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
3. Southern Medical University Institute for Global Health(SIGHT), Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China;
4. School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
5. UC San Diego Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, San Diego CA 92093, United States;
6. UC San Diego Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, San Diego CA 92093, United States;UC San Diego School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry-Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, San Diego CA 92093, United States;
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: implementation science; implementation research; EPIS framework; process model; determinants framework
From: Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1450-1460
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract:
Implementation science aims to facilitate the efficient dissemination and sustainable application of evidence based interventions, and has accordingly generated a variety of theories, models, and frameworks. Among these, the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) frameworkfunctions both as a process model and a determinant framework, emphasizing the staged and iterative nature of implementation, and systematically explaining the influence of multilevel factors on implementation processes and outcomes through four dimensions: outer context, inner context, bridging factors, and innovation factors. The EPIS framework has been widely applied in health and public service settings internationally, yet its use in China based research remains relatively limited. This article systematically introduces the core components and application methods of the EPIS framework, and illustrates its value in identifying key influencing factors, developing implementation strategies, and optimizing implementation outcomes through case examples from the health sector, aiming to provide a methodological reference for implementation research and the promotion of evidence based interventions in China.