SPECIAL SESSION: Implementation Science: A Community (Informed) Perspective

Description/Overview: This session will define implementation science, explore the complexity of competing research models in particular translational and community-based approaches and identify ways of overcoming those complexities in order to positively impact health and well-being in local communities. Tensions between models will be explored together with issues of individual versus population efforts affecting health identified in the 5-tier health impact pyramid. Matters of equity and diversity will be touched upon to provide context for an in-depth discussion of current real-world exemplars and the opportunities and challenges faced by all those involved in these interventions. Specific attention will be given to the Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) and how to utilize its tenets to improve synthesis and translation, support and delivery systems. When considering synthesis and translation, focused attention will be given to identifying key elements and critical features associated with intervention effectiveness. Specific and general aspects of creating a support system for those implementing interventions will be discussed followed by considerations necessary for a productive delivery system including funding. Exemplars include a nationally disseminated program, ¡Cuidate! which substantiates the value and importance of programs to advance behavioral interventions such as the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI). Other community-based interventions will also be highlighted that incorporate many of the user-friendly toolkits and approaches necessary for maximum effectiveness including many that are part of another CDC program, EffectiveInterventions: HIV Prevention that works. Lastly, the session will present best practices as a process rather than packaged interventions including discussion of how to promote EBIs in communities including topics on the technology push, market pull and gauging delivery capacity. A close examination for next steps in implementation research will focus on use of technology in developing cost-effective training modules for facilitators, factors affecting fidelity and sustainability and other adaptation issues.