Unrecognized implementation science engagement among health researchers in the USA: a national survey

Abstract

Background: Implementation science (IS) has the potential to serve an important role in encouraging the successful uptake of evidence-based interventions. The current state of IS awareness and engagement among health researchers, however, is relatively unknown. Methods: To determine IS awareness and engagement among health researchers, we performed an online survey of health researchers in the USA in 2018. Basic science researchers were excluded from the sample. Engagement in and awareness of IS were measured with multiple questionnaire items that both directly and indirectly ask about IS methods used. Unrecognized IS engagement was defined as participating in research using IS elements and not indicating IS as a research method used. We performed simple logistic regressions and tested multivariable logistic regression models of researcher characteristics as predictors of IS engagement. Results: Of the 1767 health researchers who completed the survey, 68% stated they would be able to describe IS. Only 12.7% of the population self-identified as using IS methods. Of the researchers not self-identifying as using IS methods, 86.4% reported using the IS elements "at least some of the time." Nearly half (47.9%) reported using process/implementation evaluation, 89.2% use IS measures, 27.3% use IS frameworks, and 75.6% investigate or examine ways to integrate interventions into routine health settings. IS awareness significantly reduced the likelihood of all measures of unrecognized IS engagement (aOR 0.13, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.27, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall, awareness of IS is high among health researchers, yet there is also a high prevalence of unrecognized IS engagement. Efforts are needed to further disseminate what constitutes IS research and increase IS awareness among health researchers.

Systems Capacity To Conduct Non-Communicable Disease Focused Implementation Research In The Malawian Health Sector: A National Needs Assessment

“…Implementation research needs to be prioritized as it has an important role of encouraging the successful uptake of evidence-based interventions for prevention and control of NCDs in the country [9][10][11][12]. The adoption of evidenced based interventions or policies for improving NCD care depends on the availability of resources and expertise within the healthcare system [4].…”

The Influence of Community and Leadership Support on Implementation Research Behaviors

“…Given limited resources, performing implementation research is key to making the best decision regarding which interventions to implement and how to implement them (Durlak & DuPre, 2008;Prasad & Ioannidis, 2014). While general awareness and participation in implementation research has been increasing (Chambers et al, 2016(Chambers et al, , 2018Stevens et al, 2020c), the majority of health researchers have not collaborated on any implementation-focused research (Stevens et al, 2020a).…”

“…Our survey examined multiple researcher-level factors. It was previously used to examine implementation research knowledge and barriers to implementation research engagement (Stevens et al, 2020a(Stevens et al, , 2020c.…”

Swiss Implementation Science Network (IMPACT): A Crucial Building Block to Strengthen the Swiss Research Pipeline for Real-World Translation

“…In Switzerland, we observe a growing focus on IS. Further developing and strengthening capacities in IS as early as possible in the research pipeline is pivotal to render research more societally relevant [ 2 , 4 , 5 ].…”