implementation science fact sheet

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IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE FACT SHEET What is implementation? Definitions vary a bit. Traditional definition:  The extent to which a program is delivered as intended (Glasgow, et al., 1999). More recently, scholars and practitioners are defining it as something more process-oriented.  It is a process that is continuous and interactive. It is not a final outcome (May, 2013).  A deliberate process in which agents intend to bring new or modified practices into operation (May et al., 2007).  Human services, like education, are much more complex than other industries. With manufactured products like computers and automobiles, the latest science and quality can be built into the product itself, but in human services, the science and quality have to be built into practitioners who function within uniquely configured state and federal service systems. (Fixsen et al., 2009). What is being implemented? Perspectives of how to define practices or programs also seems to be changing a bit. On the more rigid end of the spectrum, the purpose of implementation is to move an evidence-based intervention that has been proven to be effective (using rigorous experimental research) into practice, but Fixsen and others have a more realistic view of the “what” of implementation. Here are a few views.  Fixsen, et al., 2005 o Evidence-based practices: Skills, techniques, and strategies that can be used by a practitioner. o Evidence-based programs: Collections of practices that are done within known parameters (philosophy, values, service delivery structure, and treatment components) and with accountability to the consumers and funders of those practices.  Wandersman, et al., 2008 o Innovation refers to new knowledge or information that could be useful to a field. Can typically be categorized as programs, policies, processes, and principles.  May (2013) o Suggests using the term "complex intervention" to define the object of any implementation process. Implementation never refers to a

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single thing. The question of what is being implemented is always more complex than might be supposed. o Whenever some new way of thinking, acting, or organizing is introduced into a social system of any kind, it is formed as a complex bundle—or ensemble—of material and cognitive practices. o New or modified ensembles of practice are often intended to change people's expertise and actions. What is implementation science? 

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The scientific study of methods that promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of services (Eccles, & Mittman, 2006). Seeks to investigate and better understand the complex task of spreading ideas across multiple socioecologic levels (i.e., individual, organization, community, system) (Tabak, et al., 2012).

What is the purpose of studying implementation? 

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A better understanding of implementation provides a foundation for understanding, designing, predicting, and evaluating implementation processes (May, 2013). The purpose is so you know how to drive the use of effective programs. You can then make it happen, rather than just let it happen (Fixsen, et al., 2013).

References Eccles, M. P., & Mittman, B. S. (2006). Welcome to Implementation Science. Implementation Science, 3, 1-3. Fixsen, D., Blase, K., Metz, A., & van Dyke, M. (2013). Statewide implementation of evidence-base programs. Exceptional Children, 79(2), 213-230. Fixsen, D. L., Blase, K. A., Naoom, S. F., & Wallace, F. (2009). Core implementation components. Research on Social Work Practice, 19(5), 531-540. Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M., & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation Research: A synthesis of the literature. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida. Glasgow, R. E., Vogt, T. M., & Boles, S. M. (1999). Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion intervnetions: The RE-AIM framework. American Journal of Public Health, 89(9), 1322-1327. May, C. (2013). Towards a general theory of implementation. Implementation Science, 8(1), 18 pages. 2

May C., et al. (2007) Understanding the implementation of complex interventions in health care: The normalization process model. BMC Health Services Research, 7(148) 7 pages. Tabak, R. G., Khoong, E. C., & Chambers, D. A., & Brownson, R. C. (2012). Bridging research and practice: Models for dissemination and implementation research. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(3), 337-50. Wandersman, A., Duffy, J., Flaspohler, P., Noonan, R., Lubell, K., Stillman, L., Blachman, M., et al. (2008). Bridging the gap between prevention research and practice: The interactive systems framework for dissemination and implementation. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(3-4), 171–81.

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