What is Implementation Science?
Dissemination research is the systematic study of the factors that lead to widespread use of an evidence-based intervention or practice by the target population. Dissemination research is designed to identify the most effective methods to enhance the uptake and utilization of the intervention or practice (Rabin et al., 2008).
Implementation research seeks to understand the factors that are associated with successful integration of evidence-based interventions and practices within a particular setting. Implementation research also focuses on with whether core components of the original intervention/practice are incorporated into real-world settings with fidelity and the types of adaptations needed to implement the intervention/practice in local contexts (Rabin et al., 2008).
Improvement science research seeks to determine which improvement strategies work as we strive to assure effective and safe patient care. Improvement science is designed to understand how to ensure that quality improvement efforts are based as much on evidence as the best practices they seek to implement (Shojania & Grimshaw, 2005).
Rabin, B.A., Brownson, R.C., Haire-Joshu, D., Kreuter, M.W., & Weaver, N.L. (2008). A Glossary for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health. Journal of Public Health Management Practice, 14, 117-123.
Shojania KG, Grimshaw JM. Evidence-based quality improvement: the state of the science. Health Aff (Millwood) 2005; 24(1):138-50.
Bauer, M. S., Damschroder, L., Hagedorn, H., Smith, J., & Kilbourne, A. M. (2015). An introduction to implementation science for the non-specialist. BMC psychology, 3(1), 1-12.