What is “Implementation Science” and why is it important?

Billions of dollars have been invested in research to develop and test health-related treatments. Even when treatments are effective, they may never be used in routine care. Implementation Science bridges the gap from research to practice. Implementation Science is the study of methods to promote the use of research findings and other evidence-based approaches into practice, across local, regional or national health care and community settings. The overall aim of Implementation Science is to improve the quality and impact of health services, and health promotion and prevention practices. In addition, through Implementation Science new treatments and practices are improved because they consider factors that influence an organization’s ability to deliver them. Implementation Science research focuses on “real world” settings and involves working with stakeholders like patients, providers, health care systems, and community organizations.