Implementation science starts by understanding how programs and practices work based on past experience, either from field applications, scientific studies, expert opinion, or consensus. It then identifies ways to replicate these successful processes in new settings, at larger scale, or with different populations to achieve similar, positive outcomes. According to the National Implementation Research Network: "It is the study of how a practice that is evidence-based gets translated to different contexts in the real world."¹ In this way, successful implementation connects the dots between evidence and practice.
Working in MCH, there is a growing need to understand how to effectively implement evidence-based practices in different settings and what it takes to move an evidence-based practice from the library or classroom to the field.2
Watch this introductory video from the WDC to learn about the four implementation stages and different types of evidence that form the foundation of evidence-based decision making at each stage:
SET: Dig Deeper
Watch this video about a new tool that highlights key considerations for implementing evidence-based programs effectively:
Trainings from the MCH Navigator and Partners:
Innovative Approaches to Collecting Needs Assessment Data. This video reports on efforts to use innovative mixed-methods approaches to engage and involve families and community members in a statewide needs assessment. This broad-based approach provided opportunities for hundreds if not thousands of Kansans to participate in a statewide needs assessment and to provide a unique lens on issues that helped the state develop a meaningful, responsive, strategic plan to address maternal and child health issues in the state in the coming years.
Implement what you've learned with these resources and tools:
The MCH Evidence Center uses Results-Based Accountability (RBA) tools to identify root causes of population-based issues, develop responsive strategies to bring about change, and establish measures that can be quantified, brought to scale, and replicated across groups.
Turn-the-Curve (TTC) Strategy Tool. Use this tool to develop new strategies that align with your population needs and advance each NPM. TTC is a quick method to strategically think about your needs assessment data and develop strong measures to assess progress we make in changing the trajectory of your work.
RBA Measurement Tool. Use this tool to develop strong ways to measure your strategies by using a framework to help you move from reporting "what did we do?" to "how well did we do it?" and eventually to "is anyone better off from our efforts" and “how are they better off?".
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UE8MC25742; MCH Navigator for $225,000/year. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
