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Moving from Implementation Science to Implementation Practice: The Need to Solve Practical Problems to Improve Behavioral Health Services

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Abstract

It is well recognized that the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) is critical to improving service outcomes for those receiving behavioral health services. However, EBPs are not easily implemented in behavioral health settings, and there are many challenges to supporting these services over time. Recently, research efforts in implementation science (IS) have greatly expanded our understanding of issues that influence the successful implementation of EBPs. Unfortunately, less effort has been devoted to translating this research theory on a practical level to help individual service entities solve the specific problems of putting programs into place. A process is needed where service organizations and practitioners can build their capacity, informed by IS research, to improve service outcomes. The purpose of this commentary is to describe the IS research base, provide an introduction to implementation practice, describe challenges confronting practitioners, and propose necessary steps in building organizational capacity that enables practitioners to implement the most effective services available.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Enya B. Vroom Ph.D., M.S.

  2. Department of Child and Family Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Oliver T. Massey Ph.D.

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  1. Enya B. Vroom Ph.D., M.S.
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  2. Oliver T. Massey Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Enya B. Vroom Ph.D., M.S..

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Vroom, .B., Massey, O.T. Moving from Implementation Science to Implementation Practice: The Need to Solve Practical Problems to Improve Behavioral Health Services. J Behav Health Serv Res 49, 106–116 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-021-09765-1

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