Thinking Like an Implementation Scientist and Applying Your Research in Practice

This chapter aims to equip early career researchers with an understanding of implementation science to enhance their capacity to successfully translate their research into practice. Implementation science is the study of methods to facilitate the integration of evidence-based practices into routine practice to improve health services. In this chapter, facets of implementation science are reviewed, namely, how implementation science differs from efficacy and effectiveness research, identifying implementation research questions, building and sustaining research-practice partnerships, testing implementation strategies and monitoring adaptations, measuring implementation outcomes, and sustaining an intervention in practice. Personal examples are provided to exemplify these points. The chapter closes with lessons learned and recommendations for best practices for future early career researchers who are pursuing efforts to apply their research in practice. Recommendations include building equitable collaborations with practice partners; being systematic in applying frameworks, specifying strategies and mechanism, tracking adaptations, and measuring outcomes; embracing flexibility and the likely need for adaptation; and humbly challenging existing paradigms to create impactful change.