Implementation Science: Tackling the Research to Practice Gap in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract

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.

Intelligibility in Context Scale: cross-linguistic use, validity, and reliability

“…Implementation science documents and supports the application of research into clinical practice (Douglas & Burshnic, 2019). The ICS has incorporated elements of implementation science, such as collaboration between researchers and clinicians to facilitate appropriate 'adaptation to local contexts' (Bauer, Damschroder, Hagedorn, Smith, & Kilbourne, 2015, p. 5).…”

Overcoming Knowledge Barriers for Inclusion of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists in the Management of Students with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

“…Existing trainings and educational materials, such as those provided by the CDC, 69 can provide important general foundational and flexible clinical knowledge, but this alone is KNOWLEDGE BARRIERS TO SLPS AND RTL TEAMS/O'BRIEN likely not enough to change practice patterns of SLPs. 70 As noted earlier, clinicians may be less likely to seek updates to foundational knowledge, instead looking to continuing education opportunities to address flexible knowledge in clinical applications. Misconceptions related to basic constructs may persist or emerge as new foundational information becomes available, but clinician knowledge does not keep pace with this new knowledge.…”

“…Practitioners particularly benefit from this kind of learning, especially when ongoing coaching or feedback is provided. 74 The importance of overcoming barriers to implementation of clinical research findings and general strategies toward doing so have been well described by Douglas et al, 70,75 although systematic research to improve research-to-practice gaps in speech-language pathology is still largely in the future. Management of pediatric mTBI may be an area particularly ripe for such study, given the rapid pace of advancement in this area, and given that clinicians may be relying on a variety of evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice-both outdated and current.…”

Bridging Knowledge Between Research and Practice

“…The opening tutorial of the series, titled "Implementation Science: Tackling the Research to Practice Gap in Communication Sciences and Disorders," was co-authored by Douglas and Burshnic (2019). As the title suggests, the authors set the stage by discussing the relevance of implementation science to the professions and by providing some historical perspective and definitions of relevant terms.…”

“…In closing, we as the four incoming editors-in-chief for Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups look forward to working with the editors, with the SIG members and affiliates, and with each other as we oversee and foster the implementation and development of this important transition in this scholarly review journal. As researchers, educators, practitioners, and students, this transition in Perspectives is an exciting opportunity for our professions to improve "communication access for one and all" (Douglas & Burshnic, 2019).…”