Operationalizing the RE-AIM Framework to Evaluate Complex Intervention Interventions: Lessons Learned From the Integrated Research on Acute Malnutrition Study

This technical brief provides an example on how the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was operationalized by the Integrated Research on Acute Malnutrition (IRAM), which assessed the implementation and impact of a complex intervention package. The IRAM intervention aimed at strengthening various services along the continuum of care of child wasting in Mali. IRAM defined the continuum of care of child wasting as a series of services offered by different providers at various levels of care (household, community, facility) that cover the prevention of wasting, the screening for wasting, the referral of cases to treatment services, the admission and treatment of cases, and the post-treatment follow up and prevention of relapse.

This study was made possible by a grant from the Implementer-Led Design, Evidence, Analysis and Learning (IDEAL) Activity. The IDEAL Small Grants Program is made possible by the generous support and contribution of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).