Background:To date there are many theories, models and frameworks that have been developed and used in implementation science to translate evidence into practice with various successes. Sustainability of the change into practice has been a major issue to the success of some of the existing implementation strategies. The challenges of scaling up and sustaining evidence supported interventions have recently been the attention of funders, leaders in health and researchers.

Objectives:To describe an implementation of evidence into practice model that incorporates three components namely consultation, collaboration and consolidation that aims at ensuring sustainability of evidence into practice.

Methods:A multi-method approach was used to develop the proposed model: 1) literature review addressing key recommendations to support sustainability of evidence into practice; and, 2) analysis of research, practice development and quality improvement projects.

Results:Analysis of the literature and previous quality improvement projects indicated that a number of key factors appear to play a role in successful and sustainable implementation process. A three stage model is therefore developed and named 'the triple C model' (Figure 1). It represents the relationship of these factors. It is based on three key elements that are in a dynamic and mutual relationship. The three elements are consultation, collaboration and consolidation. The proposition is that for implementation of evidence to be successful and sustainable, there needs to be clarity around key issues contributing to the research question through consultation of key stakeholders. This is followed by the collaboration stage where key experts are recruited to form a targeted action plan. The third element focuses on the consolidation stage and it involves creating a supportive and robust infrastructure within the healthcare organisation to ensure the intervention is business as usual.

Conclusions:A successful model of a sustainable implementation of evidence into practice was developed and tested within a large primary healthcare organisation.