TMFAs Navigator Tool

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We have identified 17 functions implementation theories, models, frameworks, and approaches (TMFAs) can often serve. To explore TMFAs by function click the arrow on the right-hand side of that function.

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Theory Model Framework Approach TCI's Top Picks

TMFAs Navigator Tool: Reference List + TCI's Top Picks (PDF)

Sign up to download a free PDF version of the TMFAs included in the online tool, organized by function.

This PDF includes descriptions, references, and TCI’s recommended TMFAs to help you get started.

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    About this tool

    The TMFAs Navigator Tool is a free, interactive resource that helps you explore commonly used theories, models, frameworks, and approaches (TMFAs) in implementation science. Rather than presenting an exhaustive list, it organizes TMFAs by the function they can serve, so you can start with what you're trying to accomplish and find relevant options more easily.

    This tool was developed alongside our TMFAs in Action toolkit, which takes you further by helping you understand, compare, select, combine, and apply TMFAs in your work.

    • We designed this tool with simplicity in mind. It's essentially a repository of the TMFAs we've found most relevant in implementation science, based on both the literature and our own experience working with implementation practitioners. TMFAs are organized by function, so you can click on the function you're interested in exploring to see the TMFAs related to it.

    • We would like to thank Per Nilsen for starting the conversation about defining and distinguishing theories, models, and frameworks, and all of the people who have developed, refined, and adapted implementation science TMFAs.

      We would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Andrea Chaplin for her support in developing TMFAs in Action.

    • It is an acknowledged weakness that many implementation science TMFAs were not originally designed with equity and justice in mind. Therefore, additional TMFAs or equity considerations are sometimes needed.

    • The Center for Implementation. (2026). TMFAs navigator tool [Online tool]. https://thecenterforimplementation.com/tmfas-navigator-tool

    • To learn about our approach to using inclusive and values-based language, check our Terminology Acknowledgment.

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