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. 2022 Aug 13;17(1):55.
doi: 10.1186/s13012-022-01226-3.

Promises and pitfalls in implementation science from the perspective of US-based researchers: learning from a pre-mortem

Rinad S Beidas  1 , Shannon Dorsey  2 , Cara C Lewis  2 , Aaron R Lyon  2 , Byron J Powell  3 , Jonathan Purtle  4 , Lisa Saldana  5 , Rachel C Shelton  4 , Shannon Wiltsey Stirman  6 , Meghan B Lane-Fall  7
Affiliations

Promises and pitfalls in implementation science from the perspective of US-based researchers: learning from a pre-mortem

Rinad S Beidas et al. Implement Sci. .

Abstract

Background: Implementation science is at a sufficiently advanced stage that it is appropriate for the field to reflect on progress thus far in achieving its vision, with a goal of charting a path forward. In this debate, we offer such reflections and report on potential threats that might stymie progress, as well as opportunities to enhance the success and impact of the field, from the perspective of a group of US-based researchers.

Main body: Ten mid-career extramurally funded US-based researchers completed a "pre-mortem" or a group brainstorming exercise that leverages prospective hindsight to imagine that an event has already occurred and to generate an explanation for it - to reduce the likelihood of a poor outcome. We came to consensus on six key themes related to threats and opportunities for the field: (1) insufficient impact, (2) too much emphasis on being a "legitimate science," (3) re-creation of the evidence-to-practice gap, (4) difficulty balancing accessibility and field coherence, (5) inability to align timelines and priorities with partners, and (6) overly complex implementation strategies and approaches.

Conclusion: We submit this debate piece to generate further discussion with other implementation partners as our field continues to develop and evolve. We hope the key opportunities identified will enhance the future of implementation research in the USA and spark discussion across international groups. We will continue to learn with humility about how best to implement with the goal of achieving equitable population health impact at scale.

Keywords: Implementation science; Opportunities; Pre-mortem exercise; Threats.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare the following competing interests: RSB is an Associate Editor and BJP is on the Editorial Board of Implementation Science; all decisions on this paper were made by other editors. RSB is a principal at Implementation Science & Practice, LLC. She receives royalties from Oxford University Press and consulting fees from United Behavioral Health and OptumLabs and serves on the advisory boards for Optum Behavioral Health, AIM Youth Mental Health Foundation, and the Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation outside of the submitted work. MBLF serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research.

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