Implementation science (IS), the study of methods to promote the uptake of research findings and evidence-based practices (EBP) into routine service delivery (Carlisle et al.), has become a significant driving force in improving health and health care at scale (Chambers et al.). IS generally focuses on identifying and prioritizing barriers to and facilitators of EBP use (i.e., determinants) (Damschroder et al.); selecting, tailoring, and evaluating implementation strategies (e.g., training, consultation) that actively promote intervention adoption, high-quality delivery, and sustainment (Powell et al.); and evaluating implementation outcomes (Proctor et al.).

In IS research, the thing being studied must be backed by evidence. Curran makes the following key IS distinctions:

• Intervention/Practice/Innovation is the thing
• Effectiveness research looks at whether the thing works
• Implementation research looks at how best to help people/places do the thing
• Implementation strategies are the stuiff we do to try to help people/places do the thing
• Main implementation outcomes are how much and how well they do the thing

Learn more

• UW ALACRIY implementation measures:
  • Adoption and Reach 
  • Intervention and Implementation Strategy Fidelity 
  • Planned Adaptations (i.e., Redesign Solutions) 
  • Unplanned/ Reactive Modifications
• The UW Implementation Science Resource Hub is a comprehensive repository for those wishing to conduct IS research.