Evaluating the implementation of the active life improving health behavior change program "BCP-VAMOS" in primary health care: Protocol of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial using the RE-AIM and CFIR frameworks

Introduction: The effective translation of evidence-based interventions has contributed to implementing actions that impact public policies and the population's health. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the factors associated with the successful implementation of these interventions. The Active Life Improving Health Behavior Change Program (BCP-VAMOS) uses behavioral strategies to promote an active and healthy lifestyle in the community. Characterized as a health innovation, it also provides health professionals with online training to implement the program in Primary Health Care (PHC). Our study describes a pragmatic trial that aims to evaluate the implementation of BCP-VAMOS, version 3.0, in PHC in southern Brazil.Methods and analysis: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PRCT) of two arms comparing a group of PHC professionals who will participate in a traditional didactic approach (control group) vs. a group that will receive ongoing support (intervention group) for the implementation of BCP-VAMOS. The intervention will be available to adults (>= 18 years old) registered at PHC. Program recipient's will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention (9 months after) to measure markers of physical activity and eating behavior (primary outcomes). Program's implementation process will be monitored for 12 months and will be evaluated using the RE-AIM and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) frameworks.Discussions: The survey findings can be used widely throughout Brazil, guiding the work of health professionals, service planners and policy-makers. Also, the results may help to inform the national health promotion policy to plan interventions and improve the implementation of programs in PHC. This research results will provide practical guidance for researchers to develop similar protocols to implement and adapt public health interventions.Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval has been granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil, under no. 1394492. Results will be published in full as open access in the UFSC library and main trial results and associated papers in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.