11.A. Skills building seminar: A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions

Abstract The new MRC/NIHR Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions will be introduced (by the authors) for participants to consider using to support their own complex intervention research. This Framework provides updated recommendations on the key considerations and phases of complex intervention research. Previous versions of the framework have been widely used internationally, but there have been many methodological and theoretical developments since they were published. This workshop will provide an overview of the new framework, with further worked examples. The workshop will include time for questions and discussion and support participants to think about how to approach their own complex intervention research. The workshop will consist of two 20 minute presentations providing information on a different aspect of our new Framework, and this, alongside questions and discussion, will support attendees to: Consider what makes interventions complex and how this complexity could usefully be handled in intervention research. Critically evaluate and contrast the utility and role of different research perspectives. Understand the core elements of complex intervention research. At the end of each presentation, we will pose questions related to our Framework's checklist to the audience for their own consideration. As well as having the chat feature enabled and monitored throughout, we will use interactive software, e.g. mentimeter, to allow engagement beyond the question/answer session. Key messages The workshop will enable participants to apply the new MRC/NIHR framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions to their own research. Interactive sessions will explore the concepts underpinning the new framework and the practicalities of applying it to specific cases.