Advisor Information
Peter Szto, PhD
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
2-3-2018 10:45 AM
End Date
2-3-2018 12:00 PM
Abstract
Abstract
Research findings are incorporated too slowly and inconsistently into social service practices. This gap between services and the research that informs them results in poorer outcomes for clients, and higher costs to taxpayers in the form of less effective treatments. Even evidence-based programs, if not delivered with fidelity to the research upon which they are based, can result in poor outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate solutions that support more rapid and effective implementation of research within agencies’ complex government, community, and organizational environments. The field of implementation science has emerged to study factors that influence full and effective use of research innovations in practice, and its systematic, robust models enable the analysis, design, and evaluation of processes to support and maintain high-fidelity implementation of evidence-based programs. Results have been promising; implementations of evidence-based programs using implementation science have improved the quality and quantity of client services compared with traditional programs. Implementation centers specialize in providing technical support to agencies adopting evidence-based programs into their practices. For example, the Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center (EPISCenter) is a 10-year partnership between Penn State University and Pennsylvania government agencies that has successfully connected research, policy, and practice. State governments have increasingly adopted evidence-based policymaking to spend tax dollars more effectively and improve community outcomes, and the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative provides implementation oversight research and other support to decision-makers. Implementation science is a critical tool that enables agencies to successfully navigate complexities inherent in transferring research to practice.
Transforming Communities Through Policy: Bridging the Gap between what we know and what we do
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Abstract
Research findings are incorporated too slowly and inconsistently into social service practices. This gap between services and the research that informs them results in poorer outcomes for clients, and higher costs to taxpayers in the form of less effective treatments. Even evidence-based programs, if not delivered with fidelity to the research upon which they are based, can result in poor outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate solutions that support more rapid and effective implementation of research within agencies’ complex government, community, and organizational environments. The field of implementation science has emerged to study factors that influence full and effective use of research innovations in practice, and its systematic, robust models enable the analysis, design, and evaluation of processes to support and maintain high-fidelity implementation of evidence-based programs. Results have been promising; implementations of evidence-based programs using implementation science have improved the quality and quantity of client services compared with traditional programs. Implementation centers specialize in providing technical support to agencies adopting evidence-based programs into their practices. For example, the Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center (EPISCenter) is a 10-year partnership between Penn State University and Pennsylvania government agencies that has successfully connected research, policy, and practice. State governments have increasingly adopted evidence-based policymaking to spend tax dollars more effectively and improve community outcomes, and the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative provides implementation oversight research and other support to decision-makers. Implementation science is a critical tool that enables agencies to successfully navigate complexities inherent in transferring research to practice.
Additional Information (Optional)
References
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