Table 1 Criteria to assess implementation theories for use in chronic and complex care

Criteria for implementation theories derived directly from concepts of care for chronic conditions

 • Applicable generally in health care - or specifically designed for chronic and complex conditions

 • Consistent with multi-disciplinary health care

 • Consistent with different degrees of involvement by several organisations

 • Structures assessment, action and evaluation across levels ie micro, meso and macro, ideally all three.

 • Consistent with patient and potentially carer involvement in care

Broader criteria for implementation theories for chronic and complex conditions

 • Provides structure for investigation of change requirements

 • Transparent empirical or theoretical basis

 • Provides guidance for measurements of concepts making up the theory.