Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health ─ Translating Science to Practice

Fifteen to twenty years is how long it takes for the billions of dollars of university-based research to translate into evidence-based policies and programs suitable for public use. Over the past decade, an exciting science has emerged that seeks to narrow the gap between the discovery of new knowledge and its application in public health, mental health, and health care settings. Dissemination and implementation (D&I) research seeks to understand how to best apply scientific advances in the real world, by focusing on pushing the evidence-based knowledge base out into routine use.

To help propel this crucial field forward, leading D&I scholars and researchers have collaborated to put together this volume to address a number of key issues, including: how to evaluate the evidence base on effective interventions; which strategies will produce the greatest impact; how to design an appropriate study; and how to track a set of essential outcomes. D&I studies must also take into account the barriers to uptake of evidence-based interventions in the communities where people live their lives and the social service agencies, hospitals, and clinics where they receive care.

The challenges of moving research to practice and policy are universal, and future progress calls for collaborative partnerships and cross-country research. The fundamental tenet of D&I research-taking what we know about improving health and putting it into practice-must be the highest priority. This book is nothing less than a roadmap that will have broad appeal to researchers and practitioners in epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral science, economics, medicine, social work, psychology, and anthropology.

Ross C. Brownson, PhD, is Professor and Co-Director of the Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, at the School of Medicine and George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis.

Graham A. Colditz, MD, DrPH, is Niess-Gain Professor of Surgery and Associate Director of Prevention and Control at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis.

Enola K. Proctor, PhD, is Frank J. Bruno Professor of Social Work Research at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis.