Building the Next Generation of Implementation Science Careers to Advance Health Equity

Abstract

Rapid advancements in translational research have produced innovative clinical discoveries and evidence-based interven­tions that are ready for uptake in real-world settings, creating vast opportunities and challenges for implementation science. However, there is an inadequate research workforce to study effective strategies and delivery of implementation to advance the field. Novel career development initiatives will build scholars for the next genera­tion of implementation science to bridge research to practice for diverse populations to advance health equity, specifically with a strategic focus on heart, lung, blood and sleep diseases and conditions. Along with traditional mentoring and curricula, research training includes state-of-the-art approaches using complex methods and multi-disci­plinary collaborations between researchers, practice settings, and diverse communities. Implementation science scholars strive not only to decrease the lag time between the discovery of evidence-based interven­tions and successful implementation but also how to advance health equity and to reduce disparities for underserved popula­tions that suffer disproportionally.Ethn Dis. 2019;29(Suppl 1):77-82; doi:10.18865/ed.29.S1.77.

Building capacity in dissemination and implementation science: a systematic review of the academic literature on teaching and training initiatives

“…Efforts to build capacity in D&I take many forms [ 15 – 18 ]. In the USA, as early as 1998, research organisations and initiatives were established (e.g.…”

“…‘researchers’ ), those faced with translating evidence into practice (i.e. ‘implementers’ ) [ 15 – 18 ] or those tasked with training others in D&I principles and methodologies (i.e. ‘educators’ ).…”

“…Such training endeavours include short courses, workshops and webinars or they may form part of academic programmes [ 16 – 18 , 46 – 49 ]—all of these can be important in ensuring individuals have the requisite knowledge and skill-set to successfully implement scientific discoveries across diverse populations [ 14 – 17 , 50 , 51 ]. Given the value of D&I CBIs, it is of interest to examine the type and range of training opportunities available [ 15 – 18 ] and how these extend to a wide range of individuals (implementers, researchers and educators) [ 14 , 17 , 52 – 56 ].…”

Leveraging Implementation Science in the Public Health Response to COVID-19

“…54,71 D&I scientists must engage organizations working with populations that face inequities to ensure that the most relevant contextual factors are considered. 54 Recruitment and data collection methods must seek out priority populations, and dissemination strategies must elevate those narratives. In developing post-COVID-19 recommendations for policies and practices implemented during the pandemic, it will be important to consider the opportunities for cultural adaptations and tailored support and guidance for locally driven implementation strategies.…”

Strategic Partnerships to Advance Health Equity

“…9 The articles also highlight: the emerging fields of implementation science and predictive analytics as opportunities to accelerate the translation of discovery science into health impact; 9 the importance of sex as a biological variable that influences resilience, pathophysiology, and women's health; 10 a framework for fostering diversity and inclusion in the NHLBI Small Business Innovation Research Program; 11 and NHLBI strategies for building the next generation of implementation science investigators to advance health equity. 12 Four articles address methodological challenges and opportunities in health equity research. [13][14][15][16] McNulty et al share a principledriven partnership process between community members and implementation researchers and highlight three related research paradigms for advancing scientific and health equity.…”