Treatment fidelity is a measure of the reliability of the administration of an intervention in a treatment study, and has important linkages and implications for the ultimate implementation of evidence-supported interventions. In this study, we examined aphasia treatment studies published in the last 10 years for the reporting of treatment fidelity. We found that only 10% of studies over the last 10 years reported treatment fidelity, which is less than other related disciplines. We discuss the means by which we assess fidelity and recommend the consistent reporting of treatment fidelity in all treatment studies.

Implementation science is not just a buzzword. This is a new field of study that can make a substantive contribution in communication sciences and disorders by informing research agendas, reducing health and education disparities, improving accountability and quality control, increasing clinician satisfaction and competence, and improving client outcomes.

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Purpose The purpose of this article is to outline how implementation science can contribute to the advancement of communication sciences and disorders through its impact on both clinical research and clinical practice. Implementation science's pertinent definitions and history are discussed. Then, information is highlighted pertaining to the position of implementation science within the larger realm of clinical practice research. An exemplar study is reviewed to inform clinical researchers in communication sciences and disorders. Conclusion The importance of implementation science is emphasized by outlining ways that speech-language pathologists and audiologists can use implementation science to both inform their clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base of the disciplines.

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