scholarly journals Embracing policy implementation science to ensure translation of evidence to cancer control policy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1972-1979
Author(s):  
Karen M Emmons ◽  
David Chambers ◽  
Ali Abazeed
Keyword(s):  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Implementation Science ◽  
Scientific Discovery ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Usa

Abstract Although health-related policies are abundant, efforts to understand how to ensure that these policies serve as an effective vehicle for translating scientific evidence are relatively sparse. This paper explores how policy-focused implementation science (IS) may contribute to understanding the translation of scientific evidence to health-related policy in governmental and nongovernmental sectors. Expanding the focus of implementation science in cancer control could systematically address policy to both increase the use of scientific evidence in general and to address health equity. In this Commentary, we look to relevant work outside of IS that could be informative, most notably from the field of political science. We propose several ideas for future research that could help move the field of policy implementation science in cancer control in the USA forward. Although most efforts to increase uptake of the scientific evidence base reference translation to “practice and policy,” there has been relatively little emphasis in the USA on implementation at the policy level, especially related to cancer control. If we are to achieve the full benefits of scientific discovery on population and public health, we will need to consider policy as a critical mechanism by which evidence can be translated to practice. We have a robust set of methods within implementation science that are increasing the pace of adoption and maintenance of evidence-based programs in a variety of settings. Building on these efforts, the time is right to expand our focus to include policy implementation.

scholarly journals Implementation science should give higher priority to health equity

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross C. Brownson ◽  
Shiriki K. Kumanyika ◽  
Matthew W. Kreuter ◽  
Debra Haire-Joshu
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Central Feature ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Health Related Research ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Usa

Abstract Background There is growing urgency to tackle issues of equity and justice in the USA and worldwide. Health equity, a framing that moves away from a deficit mindset of what society is doing poorly (disparities) to one that is positive about what society can achieve, is becoming more prominent in health research that uses implementation science approaches. Equity begins with justice—health differences often reflect societal injustices. Applying the perspectives and tools of implementation science has potential for immediate impact to improve health equity. Main text We propose a vision and set of action steps for making health equity a more prominent and central aim of implementation science, thus committing to conduct implementation science through equity-focused principles to achieve this vision in U.S. research and practice. We identify and discuss challenges in current health disparities approaches that do not fully consider social determinants. Implementation research challenges are outlined in three areas: limitations of the evidence base, underdeveloped measures and methods, and inadequate attention to context. To address these challenges, we offer recommendations that seek to (1) link social determinants with health outcomes, (2) build equity into all policies, (3) use equity-relevant metrics, (4) study what is already happening, (5) integrate equity into implementation models, (6) design and tailor implementation strategies, (7) connect to systems and sectors outside of health, (8) engage organizations in internal and external equity efforts, (9) build capacity for equity in implementation science, and (10) focus on equity in dissemination efforts. Conclusions Every project in implementation science should include an equity focus. For some studies, equity is the main goal of the project and a central feature of all aspects of the project. In other studies, equity is part of a project but not the singular focus. In these studies, we should, at a minimum, ensure that we “leave no one behind” and that existing disparities are not widened. With a stronger commitment to health equity from funders, researchers, practitioners, advocates, evaluators, and policy makers, we can harvest the rewards of the resources being invested in health-related research to eliminate disparities, resulting in health equity.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of probation supervision towards reducing reoffending: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Smith ◽  
Kim Heyes ◽  
Chris Fox ◽  
Jordan Harrison ◽  
Zsolt Kiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evidence Base ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
What Works ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Probation Supervision ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
Meta Analyses

In response to the lack of universal agreement about ‘What Works’ in probation supervision (Trotter, 2013) we undertook a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the empirical literature. Our analysis of research into the effect of probation supervision reducing reoffending included 13 studies, all of which employed robust research designs, originating in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia, published between 2006 and 2016. We describe the papers included in our review, and the meta-analyses of their findings. Overall, we found that the likelihood of reoffending was shown to be lower for offenders who had been exposed to some type of supervision. This finding should be interpreted cautiously however, given the heterogeneity of the studies. We suggest future research and methodological considerations to develop the evidence base concerning the effectiveness of probation supervision.

scholarly journals The role of implementation science in improving distress assessment and management in oncology: a commentary on “Screening for psychosocial distress among patients with cancer: implications for clinical practice, healthcare policy, and dissemination to enhance cancer survivorship”

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul B Jacobsen ◽  
Wynne E Norton
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
Psychosocial Care ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Distress Screening ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Pragmatic Clinical Trials

Abstract Despite considerable evidence that psychosocial interventions can effectively relieve distress in patients with cancer, many individuals who could benefit from these interventions do not receive them. A proposed solution to this problem is the establishment of programs in oncology settings that routinely screen for distress and refer patients for appropriate psychosocial care. This commentary addresses a review by Ehlers et al. that describes policies and procedures related to distress screening, summarizes prior research on this topic, and identifies key areas for future research. Among their major conclusions is the need for research to fill the gap in knowledge about how best to implement new distress screening programs as well as optimize the use and efficiency of existing programs. This commentary focuses on how the types of study methods, designs, and outcomes that are commonplace in implementation science to facilitate the integration of research into practice can be applied to distress screening programs. Priorities identified include designing and conducting pragmatic clinical trials, evaluating multilevel interventions, and using hybrid designs to simultaneously evaluate clinical effectiveness and barriers and facilitators of implementation. Use of these approaches holds considerable potential for developing an evidence base that can promote more widespread adoption of effective distress screening programs and inform further development of standards and policies related to the psychosocial care of patients with cancer.

scholarly journals Role of Human Milk Bioactives on Infants' Gut and Immune Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura E. Carr ◽  
Misty D. Virmani ◽  
Fernanda Rosa ◽  
Daniel Munblit ◽  
Katelin S. Matazel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Human Milk ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Optimal Health

Exclusive human milk feeding of the newborn is recommended during the first 6 months of life to promote optimal health outcomes during early life and beyond. Human milk contains a variety of bioactive factors such as hormones, cytokines, leukocytes, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, stem cells, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), microbiota, and microRNAs. Recent findings highlighted the potential importance of adding HMOs into infant formula for their roles in enhancing host defense mechanisms in neonates. Therefore, understanding the roles of human milk bioactive factors on immune function is critical to build the scientific evidence base around breastfeeding recommendations, and to enhance positive health outcomes in formula fed infants through modifications to formulas. However, there are still knowledge gaps concerning the roles of different milk components, the interactions between the different components, and the mechanisms behind health outcomes are poorly understood. This review aims to show the current knowledge about HMOs, milk microbiota, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and milk microRNAs (miRNAs) and how these could have similar mechanisms of regulating gut and microbiota function. It will also highlight the knowledge gaps for future research.

scholarly journals The contribution of implementation science to improving the design and evaluation of integrated care programmes for older people with frailty

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Euan Sadler ◽  
Jane Sandall ◽  
Nick Sevdalis ◽  
Dan Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Implementation Science ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Local Setting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss three potential contributions from implementation science that can help clinicians and researchers to design and evaluate more effective integrated care programmes for older people with frailty. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint paper focuses on three contributions: stakeholder engagement, using implementation science frameworks, and assessment of implementation strategies and outcomes. Findings Stakeholder engagement enhances the acceptability of interventions to recipients and providers and improves reach and sustainability. Implementation science frameworks assess provider, recipient and wider context factors enabling and hindering implementation, and guide selection and tailoring of appropriate implementation strategies. The assessment of implementation strategies and outcomes enables the evaluation of the effectiveness and implementation of integrated care programmes for this population. Research limitations/implications Implementation science provides a systematic way to think about why integrated care programmes for older people with frailty are not implemented successfully. The field has an evidence base, including how to tailor implementation science strategies to the local setting, and assess implementation outcomes to provide clinicians and researchers with an understanding of how their programme is working. The authors draw out implications for policy, practice and future research. Originality/value Different models to deliver integrated care to support older people with frailty exist, but it is not known which is most effective, for which individuals and in which clinical or psychosocial circumstances. Implementation science can play a valuable role in designing and evaluating more effective integrated care programmes for this population.

scholarly journals Optimizing Implementation in Cancer Control (OPTICC): protocol for an implementation science center

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara C. Lewis ◽  
◽  
Peggy A. Hannon ◽  
Predrag Klasnja ◽  
Laura-Mae Baldwin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Science Center ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Implementation Studies ◽  
The Usa

Abstract Background Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) could reduce cervical cancer deaths by 90%, colorectal cancer deaths by 70%, and lung cancer deaths by 95% if widely and effectively implemented in the USA. Yet, EBI implementation, when it occurs, is often suboptimal. This manuscript outlines the protocol for Optimizing Implementation in Cancer Control (OPTICC), a new implementation science center funded as part of the National Cancer Institute Implementation Science Consortium. OPTICC is designed to address three aims. Aim 1 is to develop a research program that supports developing, testing, and refining of innovative, efficient methods for optimizing EBI implementation in cancer control. Aim 2 is to support a diverse implementation laboratory of clinical and community partners to conduct rapid, implementation studies anywhere along the cancer care continuum for a wide range of cancers. Aim 3 is to build implementation science capacity in cancer control by training new investigators, engaging established investigators in cancer-focused implementation science, and contributing to the Implementation Science Consortium in Cancer. Methods Three cores serve as OPTICC’s foundation. The Administrative Core plans coordinates and evaluates the Center’s activities and leads its capacity-building efforts. The Implementation Laboratory Core (I-Lab) coordinates a network of diverse clinical and community sites, wherein studies are conducted to optimize EBI implementation, implement cancer control EBIs, and shape the Center’s agenda. The Research Program Core conducts innovative implementation studies, measurement and methods studies, and pilot studies that advance the Center’s theme. A three-stage approach to optimizing EBI implementation is taken—(I) identify and prioritize determinants, (II) match strategies, and (III) optimize strategies—that is informed by a transdisciplinary team of experts leveraging multiphase optimization strategies and criteria, user-centered design, and agile science. Discussion OPTICC will develop, test, and refine efficient and economical methods for optimizing EBI implementation by building implementation science capacity in cancer researchers through applications with our I-Lab partners. Once refined, OPTICC will disseminate its methods as toolkits accompanied by massive open online courses, and an interactive website, the latter of which seeks to simultaneously accumulate knowledge across OPTICC studies.

scholarly journals Future directions for implementation science at the National Cancer Institute: Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
April Oh ◽  
Cynthia A Vinson ◽  
David A Chambers
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
National Cancer Institute ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Science Centers ◽  
Blue Ribbon ◽  
Strategic Direction ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Blue Ribbon Panel

Abstract The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Moonshot initiative seeks to accelerate cancer research for the USA. One of the scientific priorities identified by the Moonshot’s Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) of scientific experts was the implementation of evidence-based approaches. In September 2019, the NCI launched the Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3 or “Centers”) initiative to advance this Moonshot priority. The vision of the ISC3 is to promote the development of research centers to build capacity and research in high-priority areas of cancer control implementation science (e.g., scale-up and spread, sustainability and adaptation, and precision implementation), build implementation laboratories within community and clinical settings, improve the state of measurement and methods, and improve the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based cancer control interventions. This paper highlights the research agenda, vision, and strategic direction for these Centers and encourages transdisciplinary scientists to learn more about opportunities to collaborate with these Centers.

A profile of older green tea consumers in the USA

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (12) ◽  
pp. 2932-2944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Berhaupt-Glickstein ◽  
William Hallman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adult ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Educators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the demographic and psychographic characteristics of older green tea consumers in the USA. By understanding this segment’s background, perceptions, and behaviors, health and marketing professionals can tailor messages to reach clients and consumers. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was completed in January 2014 with 1,335 older adult consumers (=55 years old). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression. Findings More than half (n=682, 51.2 percent) of respondents drank green tea. Most green tea consumers in this sample are college-educated and employed female home owners. The odds for green tea consumption are greater if a respondent is in good health, was informed about diet and health, or made a health-related dietary change in the past year. There are greater odds of consumption if the respondent is familiar with the relationship between drinking green tea and the reduced risk of cancer however, the importance of health statements on product labels are not predictive of consumption. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in the USA and with older adults. Future research should explore characteristics of younger consumers, i.e. 18-54 years old. Practical implications Health educators, regulators, and marketing professionals may use this profile to tailor messages that speak to consumers and client’s values and motivations. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first profile of older adult green tea consumers in the USA.

scholarly journals Commentary: Policy Implementation Science - An Unexplored Strategy to Address Social Determinants of Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
Karen M. Emmons ◽  
David A. Chambers
Keyword(s):  
Physical Education ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Implementation Science ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Natural Experiments ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Policy Proposal ◽  
Implementation Processes

This commentary explores the ways in which robust research focused on policy implementation will increase our ability to understand how to – and how not to – ad­dress social determinants of health.We make three key points in this commen­tary. First, policies that affect our lives and health are developed and implemented every single day, like it or not. These include “small p” policies, such as those at our workplaces that influence whether we have affordable access to healthy food at work, as well as “large P” policies that, for example, determine at a larger level whether our children’s schools are required to provide physical education. However, policies interact with context and are likely to have differential effects across different groups based on demographics, socioeconomic sta­tus, geography, and culture. We are unlikely to improve health equity if we do not begin to systematically evaluate the ways in which policies can incorporate evidence-based approaches to reducing inequities and to provide structural supports needed for such interventions to have maximal impact. A policy mandating physical education in schools will do little to address disparities in fitness and weight-related outcomes if all schools cannot provide the resources for physical education teachers and safe activity spaces.Second, as we argue for an increased emphasis on policy implementation science, we acknowledge its nascent status. Although the field of implementation science has be­come increasingly robust in the past decade, there has been only limited application to policy. However, if we are strategic and systematic in application of implementation science approaches and methods to health-related policy, there is great opportunity to discover its impact on social determinants. This will entail fundamental work to de­velop common measures of policy-relevant implementation processes and outcomes, to develop the capacity to track policy proposal outcomes, and to maximize our capacity to study natural experiments of policy implementation.Third, development of an explicit policy implementation science agenda focused on health equity is critical. This will include efforts to bridge scientific evidence and policy adoption and implementation, to evaluate policy impact on a range of health equity outcomes, and to examine differen­tial effects of varied policy implementation processes across population groups.We cannot escape the reality that policy influences health and health equity. Policy implementation science can have an important bearing in understanding how policy impacts can be health-promoting and equitable.Ethn Dis. 2021;31(1):133-138; doi:10.18865/ed.31.1.133

Using corpora in depth psychology: a trigram-based analysis of a corpus of fetish fantasies

Corpora ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Depth Psychology ◽  
Constant Pressure ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
German Language ◽  
Alternative Theory ◽  
Depth Psychological ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Quantitative Linguistics

Contemporary depth psychology is under constant pressure to demonstrate and strengthen its evidence base. In this paper, I show how the analysis of large corpora can contribute to this goal of developing and testing depth-psychological theory. To provide a basis for evaluating statements about foot and shoe fetishism, I analyse the thirty-six most frequent three-word phrases (or trigrams) in a corpus of about 1.6 million words of amateur fetish stories written in the German language. Zipfian methods from quantitative linguistics are used to specify the number of phrases for analysis and I argue that these reflect the core themes of the corpus. The analysis reveals three main dimensions. First, it corroborates the observations of the early sexologists that foot and shoe fetishism is very closely intertwined with sadomasochism. Secondly, it shows that genitalia-related phrases are also common, but an examination of their contexts questions Freud's theory that fetishism results from an assumption of female castration. Thirdly, it reveals that the mouth also plays a key role; however, the frequent co-presence of genitalia references in the same texts does not seem to support straightforwardly the most common alternative theory of fetishism based on object relations. Future research could valuably extend this approach to other fetishes and, in due course, to other depth-psychological constructs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document