Evaluation of the strategy for implementing the GLA:D programme in Switzerland: protocol for an implementation-effectiveness hybrid type 3 design study with a mixed-method approach

INTRODUCTION: International guidelines recommend the use of exercise, education and weight reduction, when appropriate, as first-line treatment for the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). These guidelines have not been applied systematically in Switzerland, resulting in an evidence-performance gap. After an analysis of available programmes, the Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark (GLA:D) programme was determined as the most applicable exercise and education programme for its implementation in Switzerland. The implementation of GLA:D Switzerland OA was initiated to encourage the wider implementation of the clinical guideline recommendations and to improve conservative management of knee OA. The aim of this study protocol is to describe the evaluation of the implementation strategy and its impact on implementation, service and clinical outcomes; as well as to identify contributing barriers and facilitators. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Implementation Research Logic Model will be used to evaluate the strategy and analyse its impact on the implementation outcomes by means of a mixed methods approach. This protocol outlines the proposed measures, data sources and strategies for the evaluation. Predefined implementation outcomes will help to identify the implementation impact and analyse barriers and facilitators systematically. The study population will be the healthcare professionals who are involved in the conservative management of knee OA in Switzerland, that is, physiotherapists and medical doctors, and their patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The use of the registry data containing data of patients participating in the GLA:D Switzerland OA programme does not fall within the scope of the Swiss Human Research Act (BASEC-Nr. Req-2019-00274). However, all participants involved in the evaluation will be asked to give informed written consent and all measures are taken to protect data and privacy of participants. Research findings will be submitted to journals relevant for the topic. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.