Table 1 Overview of the ‘embedded Economist’ component

Pre-implementation (planning)

3 months prior to embedding

1 month prior to embedding

Initial scoping meetings to develop draft operational plan

(minimum 2 × 1 h meetings)

Co-production meetings to draft operational plan

(minimum 2 × 1 h meetings)

To introduce the project and understand the context, priorities and expectations of the site

To begin scoping out a program of ‘placement work’ for the embedded Economist

Lead Economist (N = 1)

Embedded Economist (N = 1–5)

Site Lead (nominated by each site) (N = 1)

Chief Executive and/or nominees (N = 5)

Implementation

(program)

2 weeks prior to eE embedding

Introductory Education Seminar on health economics and the intervention

(2 h)

To begin capacity building and introduce the intervention as well as the Site Lead, Economists and Evaluator to staff beyond those engaged in the planning phase

Lead Economist (N = 1)

Embedded Economist (N = 1–5)

Site Lead (N = 1)

Evaluator (N = 1)

Current or emerging executives or managers who makes decisions to improve the value of the programs, services, initiatives or technology for which they are responsible

During the first week of economist embedding

Launch event

(a morning tea and/or a meet and greet/presentation)

(1 h)

During the first two weeks of economist embedding

Draft operational plan refined and finalised

Embedded economist allocated to site (if not already allocated)

(minimum 2 × 1-h meetings)

To finalise scope of the site project: The tasks, roles and placement of the embedded Economist will be co-designed with each research site

Lead Economist (N = 1)

Embedded Economist (N = 1–5)

Site Lead (N = 1)

Chief Executive and/or nominees (N = 5)

3 months per site as per program timeline

Economist embeds in site, supervised by Lead Economist, and delivers economic evaluation services as agreed in site operational plan. Economist may access the services of the Assisting Economists to analyse data and conduct evaluations whilst embedded.

(Minimum participant commitment 15 min (for a brief one-off consultation with the economist) through to a maximum commitment of 100 s of hours. The maximum commitment will depend upon the scope and number of projects co-designed by the site and embedded Economist, which will be set out in the operational plan).

To build capacity in economic evaluation

Lead Economist (N = 1)

Site Economist (N = 1–5)

Site Lead (N = 1)

Current or emerging executives or managers who makes decisions to improve the value of the programs, services, initiatives or technology for which they are responsible (N = up to 150 per site)

Post- implementation (finalising)

Month following eE leaving site

Closing ceremony

(approx. 1 h)

To celebrate achievements and discuss lessons learnt and sustainability of program.

Lead Economist (N = 1)

Site Economist (N = 1–5)

Site Lead (N = 1)

Evaluator (N = 1)

Current or emerging executives or managers who makes decisions to improve the value of the programs, services, initiatives or technology for which they are responsible (N = max 150 per site)

Within 3 months of eE leaving site

Dissemination of Individual site reports

To provide results for site to participants

Produced by the researchers. Where appropriate links will be provided on the program website.