Table 3 The AIMD Framework
Component | Description | Definition and considerations |
|---|---|---|
Aims | What do you want your intervention to achieve and for whom? | This component relates to the objective and outcome of the intervention. Based on your endpoint, what are you measuring in whom? It could include consideration of proximal and intermediate outcomes, and process outcomes related to implementation. |
Ingredients | What comprises the intervention? | These are the observable, replicable, and irreducible aspects of the intervention. To increase the detail specified, other taxonomies could be used in conjunction with the AIMD framework. This might include intervention taxonomies [38, 39] or reporting guidance [31]. |
Mechanism | How do you propose the intervention will work? | This refers to the pathways or processes by which it is proposed that an intervention effects change or which change comes into effect. As with ingredients, other taxonomies could be used in conjunction with AIMD to add detail. The proposed mechanism could be based on either theory or empirical evidence, and be made specific to the setting. The use of mechanism may change depending on if the framework is used for reporting or designing: why was the ingredient selected (design) and what is the pathway in which it worked (reporting). |
Delivery | How will you deliver the intervention? | This encompasses logistical and practical information pertaining to intervention delivery, including mode (e.g. video, brochure); level (e.g. individual, team, population); dose, frequency, intensity; who’s delivering; and size of target group. |