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. 2022 May 10;31(3):1039-1053.
doi: 10.1044/2021_AJSLP-21-00085. Epub 2021 Nov 4.

Planning for Implementation Science in Clinical Practice Research: An Augmentative and Alternative Communication Example

Cathy Binger  1 , Natalie Douglas  2 , Jennifer Kent-Walsh  3
Affiliations

Planning for Implementation Science in Clinical Practice Research: An Augmentative and Alternative Communication Example

Cathy Binger et al. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. .

Abstract

Purpose: Most evidence-based clinical research findings in communication sciences and disorders never achieve full implementation by practicing clinicians. To address this almost universal problem, this tutorial focuses on the initial planning steps of including implementation methodologies as part of clinical practice research programs. Integrating the principles and methodologies of implementation science can shift the current reality, leading to better uptake of evidence-based interventions.

Method: A step-by-step approach to integrating implementation science into new or existing research projects is provided, including the construction of a logic model, the selection of an implementation framework, and the selection of research methodologies. A detailed example of an augmentative and alternative communication research program is provided to illustrate the process.

Conclusions: Readily available online tools can help researchers start the process of integrating implementation science into clinical practice research, and existing frameworks can assist with developing and guiding research programs to ensure maximal impact. If the ultimate goal is to improve the daily lives of individuals with communication disorders through the use of evidence-based practices, clinical practice researchers must integrate these approaches into their research programs.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
“Plan” step from Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Webtool: Logic model for the Improving Partner Applications of Augmentative Communication Techniques (ImPAACT) + Augmentative and Alternative Communication-Generative Language Intervention (AAC-GLI) Implementation Project. SLP = speech-language pathologist.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
“Select” step from Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Webtool: Flowchart depicting implementation framework selection process for the Improving Partner Applications of Augmentative Communication Techniques (ImPAACT) + Augmentative and Alternative Communication-Generative Language Intervention (AAC-GLI) Project.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. From Moullin et al. (2019). EBP = evidence-based practice.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
The Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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