Dissemination & Implementation program
The ITHS Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) program accelerates the uptake of research findings into clinical and community settings by…
- Providing consultation and resources to investigators studying the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions
- Connecting investigators with methods and tools for scale up and spread of their research findings into practice
- Training translational researchers in the application of the principals of the D&I sciences across the translational research spectrum
The Dissemination and Implementation program team can help investigators develop or refine interventions for success in real-world settings, design and conduct their D&I research, and select appropriate clinical or community-based settings for their D&I research.
About Dissemination and Implementation Sciences
About Dissemination and Implementation Sciences
What is Dissemination and Implementation?
Dissemination is the targeted distribution of information and intervention materials to a specific public health or practice audience. The intent of dissemination is to spread knowledge and subsequently the associated evidence-based health care practice.
Example
An effectiveness study demonstrated that a new team-based approach to asthma care in primary care practice reduced asthma exacerbations and lowered healthcare costs. To disseminate this new approach (or “intervention”), the researcher will need to reach primary care providers and practices using strategies tailored for different audiences (e.g., rural and urban clinics,). The researcher will also need to create materials or tools to support the sharing of knowledge with the target audience. The researcher will need to develop measures to assess the effectiveness of the dissemination effort by measuring change in knowledge or reported/observed use of the asthma intervention.
Implementation is the use of strategies to help specific settings (clinical or community-based) adopt and integrate evidence-based health interventions to change practice patterns.
Example
A researcher with an effective asthma intervention is interested in broad usage of the intervention in primary care settings. The intervention requires a team-based approach, to improve asthma management. A ‘practice facilitator’ in collaboration with clinical leadership plans and implements the new intervention by providing support for determining roles and responsibilities, developing training materials and monitoring the success of the intervention. The researcher will work with the clinics and practice facilitator to develop tools and workflows, provide training to clinic personnel, and select measures to assess the degree to which implementation occurred as planned.
What are Dissemination and Implementation Sciences?
Dissemination and implementation sciences study methods to promote widespread knowledge about evidence-based interventions and the systematic uptake and use of research findings in routine practice to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care and health care services.
Why are Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Important?
Even after study results have been published and a new medical intervention has demonstrated improvement, it can take years for the improvement to become a part of standard care. Only 14% of new scientific discoveries ever enter clinical practice, and of those that do, the translation takes on average 17 years (Balas 2000, Morris 2011). Failures and delays in sharing evidence-based interventions results in poorer health outcomes, especially for those people experiencing health disparities. Dissemination and implementation sciences work to develop methods and tools to address these gaps.
How Researchers Use Our D&I Consultation Service
How Researchers Use our D&I Consultation Service
The D&I Program team consults with investigators about the application of D&I principles related to their research and/or the conduct of D&I research.
The team can help investigators…
- Understand common D&I theories and frameworks and applying them their research
- Identify tools and study designs
- Determine valid measures
- Establish connections with D&I scientists locally and nationally
- Collaborate with clinician, community, or patient representatives
CTSA D&I Resources
CTSA D&I Resources
The following websites are examples selected by the D&I team to assist in D&I sciences.
Fees
Fees
Up to two hours of consultation are available at no charge. Additional consultation time is available if the D&I Program team is included in a grant proposal. Additional consultation is available on an hourly basis.
Funding Sources
Funding Sources
The following organizations fund dissemination and implementation proposals.
Contact Us
Contact Us
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