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Supplement Article
December 2015

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice: Implementation Science

Publication: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Volume 58, Number 6
Pages S1818-S1826

Abstract

Purpose

This article introduces implementation science, which focuses on research methods that promote the systematic application of research findings to practice.

Method

The narrative defines implementation science and highlights the importance of moving research along the pipeline from basic science to practice as one way to facilitate evidence-based service delivery. This review identifies challenges in developing and testing interventions in order to achieve widespread adoption in practice settings. A framework for conceptualizing implementation research is provided, including an example to illustrate the application of principles in speech-language pathology. Last, the authors reflect on the status of implementation research in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders.

Conclusions

The extant literature highlights the value of implementation science for reducing the gap between research and practice in our discipline. While having unique principles guiding implementation research, many of the challenges and questions are similar to those facing any investigators who are attempting to design valid and reliable studies. This article is intended to invigorate interest in the uniqueness of implementation science among those pursuing both basic and applied research. In this way, it should help ensure the discipline's knowledge base is realized in practice and policy that affects the lives of individuals with communication disorders.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Volume 58Number 6December 2015
Pages: S1818-S1826
PubMed: 26262822

History

  • Received: Oct 28, 2014
  • Revised: Jan 5, 2015
  • Accepted: Jan 25, 2015
  • Published in issue: Dec 1, 2015

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Authors

Affiliations

Lesley B. Olswang
University of Washington, Seattle
Patricia A. Prelock
University of Vermont, Burlington

Notes

Disclosure: The authors have declared that no competing interests existed at the time of publication.
Correspondence to Lesley B. Olswang: [email protected]
Editor and Associate Editor: Rhea Paul

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