Research–practice partnerships are essential for integrating evidence-based practices, programs, interventions, and policies into health care and public health settings. Implementation science can help public health professionals effectively and equitably engage communities and partners.
Evidence-Based Public Health Practice
Public Health and Implementation Science Work Together to Improve Population Health Outcomes
Public Health
Improving population wellness through research, services, programs, and policy.
Implementation Science Applies to Public Health to...
- Promote health equity.
- Engage communities and access context.
- Select strategies to overcome barriers.
- Select and adapt programs to fit community.
- Implement programs equitably and effectively.
- Communicate about trends, programs, and policies.
- Evaluate program processes and outcomes.
- Sustain programs and positive outcomes.
Implementation Science
Studies how evidence-based practices, interventions, programs and policies are effectively translated to and used in practice.
Implementation Science in the Essential Public Health Services
The 10 Essential Public Health Services provide a framework to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities. Implementation Science can help continuously improve public policies, systems, and services to achieve optimal health and well-being for all.
Assessment
- Systematically describe community needs and assess facilitators and barriers to adapting, implementing, and sustaining programs.
- Tailor strategies to engage different community members through assessment.
- Identify barriers and suggest ways to adjust programs to better fit the population.
Policy Development
- Identify effective dissemination strategies for culturally appropriate programs and policies.
- Reduce delays from policy to practice.
- Effectively evaluate the impact of policies to ensure equity.
Equity
- Equitably implement programs to address social determinants of health.
- Increase access to programs and services.
Assurance
- Ensure equitable program design, inclusion, and implementation quality.
- Adapt and sustain programs over time.
- Support and contribute to core public health competencies.
- Train the workforce to effectively apply best practices and pivot when needed.
- Identify and apply promising program enhancements.
The 10 Essential Public Health Services
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020
Select Research Practice Partnership Opportunities
Learn More About IS
- Read the NCI Implementation Science at a Glance workbook for practitioners.
- Watch The Intersection of Public Health and Implementation Science.
- Complete CPCRN’s Putting Public Health Evidence in Action training.
Contribute to IS
- Review and contribute resources to the Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs website.
- Get involved in the Consortium for Cancer Implementation Science.
- Reach out to your local Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network principal investigator.
Contact
Aubrey Van Kirk Villalobos, DrPH, MEd
Health Scientist
Aubrey.Villalobos@nih.gov