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The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) is a well-established framework for systematically identifying key factors influencing the implementation of programs. To enhance the classification of existing CFIR definitions, as well as its +2/-2 scoring system, this study incorporated the views of relevant experts to: i) improve how themes are scored; and ii) utilise more information regarding the frequency with which themes are identified. This structured, frequency-based approach to the CFIR's scoring process has been trialled as the CFIR-frequency (CFIR-f). Researchers thematically analysed semi-structured interview data from four groups of policy and program experts (N = 24) delivering two family-based therapies in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Themes identified by less than 50% were excluded from further analysis. Themes identified by 50% or more of expert participants in the four groups were classified as enablers or barriers using clearly defined criteria. Each theme was allocated a score according to how many experts identified it as an enabler or barrier, and then mapped back onto the latest adaptation of the CFIR comprising 67 constructs. The CFIR-f successfully determined three enablers of, and six barriers to, implementation. Enablers included the family-based therapy programs, therapist training and participant monitoring systems. Barriers included referral, data collection and staffing difficulties, NSW adaptation issues and the suitability and safety of the programs for Aboriginal families. The same enablers and barriers were identified using both the CFIR-f and the original scoring approach, and the identified themes were successfully mapped to almost all CFIR constructs (65/67). This paper proposes a more frequency-based approach to CFIR's scoring process (the CFIR-f). By specifically utilising the frequency with which these barriers and enablers are identified, the CFIR-f engenders a list of ranked themes that service providers and policymakers can use to inform their decisions about program modification and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is concern that the rate of planned births (by pre-labour caesarean section or induction of labour) is increasing and that the gestation at which they are being conducted is decreasing. The aim of this study was to describe trends in the distribution of gestational age, and assess the contribution of planned birth to any such changes. Methods: We utilised the New South Wales (NSW) Perinatal Data Collection to undertake a population-based study of all births in NSW, Australia 1994–2009. Trends in gestational age were determined by year, labour onset and plurality of birth. Results: From 1994–2009, there was a gradual and steady left-shift in overall distribution of gestational age at birth, with a decline in the modal gestational age from 40 to 39 weeks. For singletons, there was a steady but significant reduction in the proportion of spontaneous births. Labour inductions increased in the proportion performed, with a gradual and changing shift in the distribution from a majority at 40 weeks to an increase at both 37–39 weeks and 41 weeks gestation. The proportion of pre-labour caesareans also increased steadily at each gestational age and doubled since 1994, with most performed at 39 weeks in 2009 compared with 38 weeks up to 2001. Conclusions: Findings suggest a changing pattern towards births at earlier gestations, fewer births commencing spontaneously and increasing planned births. Factors associated with changing clinical practice and long-term implications on the health and well-being of mothers and babies should be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]