Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Bridging the Gap Between Prevention Research and Practice: The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
American Journal of Community Psychology

Abstract

If we keep on doing what we have been doing, we are going to keep on getting what we have been getting. Concerns about the gap between science and practice are longstanding. There is a need for new approaches to supplement the existing approaches of research to practice models and the evolving community-centered models for bridging this gap. In this article, we present the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) that uses aspects of research to practice models and of community-centered models. The framework presents three systems: the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System (which distills information about innovations and translates it into user-friendly formats); the Prevention Support System (which provides training, technical assistance or other support to users in the field); and the Prevention Delivery System (which implements innovations in the world of practice). The framework is intended to be used by different types of stakeholders (e.g., funders, practitioners, researchers) who can use it to see prevention not only through the lens of their own needs and perspectives, but also as a way to better understand the needs of other stakeholders and systems. It provides a heuristic for understanding the needs, barriers, and resources of the different systems, as well as a structure for summarizing existing research and for illuminating priority areas for new research and action.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Altman, D. G. (1995). Sustaining interventions in community systems: On the relationship between researchers and communities. Health Psychology, 14(6), 526–536.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amodeo, M., & Gal, C. (1997). Strategies for ensuring use of needs assessment findings: Experiences of a community substance abuse prevention program. Journal of Primary Prevention, 18(2), 227–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arthur, W., Bennett, W., Edens, P. S., & Bell, S. T. (2003). Effectiveness of training in organizations: A meta-analysis of design and evaluation features. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(2), 234–245.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Atkins, D., Fink, K., & Slutsky, J. (2005). Better information for better health care: The evidence-based practice center program and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Annals of Internal Medicine, 142, 1035–1041.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Backer, T. E. (1991). Drug abuse technology transfer. Rockville, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Backer, T. E. (2000). The failure of success: Challenges of disseminating effective substance abuse prevention programs. Journal of Community Psychology, 28(3), 363–373.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Backer, T. E. (2001). Finding the balance: Program fidelity and adaptation in substance abuse prevention. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

    Google Scholar 

  • Backer, T. E., David, S. L., & Soucy, G. (1995). Introduction. In T. E. Backer, S. L. David, & G. Soucy (Eds.), Reviewing the behavioral science knowledge base on technology transfer (Vol. 155, pp. 147–168). Rockville, MD: National Institute on Drug Abuse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boehm, A., & Litwin, H. (1997). The influence of organizational and personal characteristics on community planning activity. Administration in Social Work, 21, 31–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Castro, F. G., Barrera, M., & Martinez, C. R. (2004). The cultural adaptation of prevention interventions: Resolving tensions between fidelity and fit. Prevention Science, 5(1), 41–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chinman, M., Hannah, G., Wandersman, A., Ebener, P., Hunter, S. B., Imm, P., & Sheldon, J. (2005). Developing a community science research agenda for building community capacity for effective preventive interventions. American Journal of Community Psychology, 35(3/4), 143–157.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clancy, C. M., & Cronin, K. (2005). Evidence-based decision making: Global evidence, local decisions. Health Affairs, 24(1), 151–162.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cooke, M. (2000). The dissemination of a smoking cessation program: Predictors of program awareness, adoption and maintenance. Health Promotion International, 15(2), 113–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DiFranceisco, W., Kelly, J. A., Otto-Salaj, L., McAuliffe, T. L., Somlai, A. M., Hackl, K., Heckman, T. G., Holtgrave, D. R., & Rompa, D. J., et al. (1999). Factors influencing attitudes within AIDS service organizations toward the use of research-based HIV prevention interventions. AIDS Education & Prevention, 11(1), 72–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eagle, K. A., Garson, A. J., Beller, G. A., & Sennett, C. (2003). Closing the gap between science and practice: The need for professional leadership. Health Affairs, 22, 196–201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, R. W., Jumper-Thurman, P., Plested, B. A., Oetting, E. R., & Swanson, L. (2000). Community readiness: Research to practice. Journal of Community Psychology, 28(3), 291–307.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elliott, D. S., & Mihalic, S. (2004). Issues in disseminating and replicating effective prevention programs. Prevention Science, 5(1), 47–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Emshoff, J., Blakely, C., Gray, D., Jakes, S., Brounstein, P., Coulter, J., & Gardner, S. (2003). An ESID case study at the federal level. American Journal of Community Psychology, 32(3/4), 345–357.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eng, E., & Parker, E. (1994). Measuring community competence in the Mississippi Delta: The interface between program evaluation and empowerment. Health Education Quarterly, 21(2), 199–220.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ennett, S. T., Ringwalt, C. L., Thorne, J., Rohrbach, L. A., Vincus, A., Simons-Rudolph, A., & Jones, S. (2003). A comparison of current practice in school-based substance use prevention programs with meta-analysis findings. Prevention Science, 4(1), 1–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Feinberg, M. E., Greenberg, M. T., & Osgood, D. W. (2004). Readiness, functioning, and perceived effectiveness in community prevention coalitions: A study of communities that care. American Journal of Community Psychology, 33(3–4), 163–176.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M., & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, The National Implementation Research Network.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flaspohler, P., Stillman, L., Duffy, J. L., Wandersman, A., & Maras, M. (2008). Unpacking capacity: The intersection of research to practice and community centered models. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(3–4).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fredericksen, P., & London, R. (2000). Disconnect in the hollow state: The pivotal role of organizational capacity in community-based development organizations. Public Administration Review, 60, 230–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glasgow, R. E., Vogt, T. M., & Boles, S. (1999). Evaluating the public health impact of health promotion interventions: The RE-AIM framework. American Journal of Public Health, 89(9), 1323–1327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glisson, C., & Hemmelgarn, A. (1998). The effects of organizational climate and interorganizational coordination on the quality and outcomes of children’s service systems. Child Abuse & Neglect, 22(5), 401–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glossary. (2000). AIDS Education and Prevention, 12(Supplement A), 145–146.

  • Goodman, R., Speers, M., McLeroy, K., Fawcett, S., Kegler, M., & Parker, E., et al. (1998). Identifying and defining the dimensions of community capacity to provide a basis for measurement. Health Education Behavior, 25, 258–278.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenhalgh, T., Robert, G., Macfarlane, F., Bate, P., & Kyriakidou, O. (2004). Diffusion of innovations in service organizations: Systematic review and recommendations. Milbank Quarterly, 82(4), 581–629.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, G. E., & Hord, S. M. (2006). Implementing change: Patterns, principles, and potholes. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawe, P., King, L., Noort, M., Gifford, S. M., & Lloyd, B. (1998). Working invisibly: Health workers talk about capacity-building in health promotion. Health Promotion International, 13(4), 285–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Homer, J., & Milstein, B. (2004). Optimal decision making in a dynamic model of community health. In Hawaii International Conference on System Science, Big Island, Hawaii.

  • Institute of Medicine. (1994). Reducing risks for mental disorders: Frontiers for preventive intervention research. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joyce, B., & Showers, B. (2002). Student achievement through staff development. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kallestad, J. H., & Olweus, D. (2003). Predicting teachers’ and schools’ implementation of the Olweus bullying prevention program: A multilevel study. Prevention & Treatment, 6, 3–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein, K. J., & Sorra, J. S. (1996). The challenge of innovation implementation. Academy of Management Review, 21(4), 1055–1071.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Labin, S. N. (2007). Research synthesis: Towards a broad base of evidence. In N. Smith & P. Brandon (Eds.), Fundamental issues in evaluation. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Labonte, R., & Laverack, G. (2001). Capacity building in health promotion, Part 1: For whom? And for what purpose? Critical Public Health, 11, 111–127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lempa, M., Goodman, R. M., Rice, J., & Becker, A. B. (in press). Development of scales measuring the capacity of community-based initiatives. Health Education and Behavior.

  • Livet, M., & Wandersman, A. (2005). Organizational functioning: Facilitating effective interventions and increasing the odds of programming success. In D. M. Fetterman & A. Wandersman (Eds.), Empowerment evaluation principles in practice (pp. 123–154). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyles, C. M., Crepaz, N., Herbst, J. H., & Kay, L. S. (2006). Evidence-based HIV behavioral prevention from the perspective of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS prevention research synthesis team. AIDS Education and Prevention, 18(4 Supplement A), 21–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MacDonald, M. A., & Green, L. W. (2001). Reconciling concept and context: The dilemma of implementation in school-based health promotion. Health Education & Behavior, 28(6), 749–768.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, J. P., & Davidson, W. S. (2000). Dissemination of innovation as social change. In J. Rappaport & E. Seidman (Eds.), Handbook of community psychology (pp. 421–438). New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCormick, L. K., Steckler, A. B., & McLeroy, K. R. (1995). Diffusion of innovations in schools: A study of adoption and implementation of school-based tobacco prevention curricula. American Journal of Health Promotion, 9(3), 210–219.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mendel, P., Meredith, L. S., Schoenbaum, M., Sherbourne, C. D., & Wells, K. B. (2008). Interventions in organizational and community context: A framework for building evidence on dissemination and implementation in health services research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 35, 21–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mercy, J. A., Rosenberg, M. L., Powell, K. E., Broome, C. V., & Roper, W. L. (1993). Public health policy for prevention of violence. Health Affairs, 12(4), 7–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michel, Y., & Sneed, N. V. (1995). Dissemination and use of research findings in nursing practice. Journal of Professional Nursing, 11, 306–311.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, R. L., Bedney, B. J., & Guenther-Grey, C. (2003). Assessing organizational capacity to deliver HIV prevention services collaboratively: Tales from the field. Health Education & Behavior, 30(5), 582–600.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, R. L., & Shinn, M. (2005). Learning from communities: Overcoming difficulties in dissemination of prevention and promotion efforts. American Journal of Community Psychology, 35(3/4), 143–157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, R. E., Florin, P., & Stevenson, J. F. (2002). Supporting community-based prevention and health promotion initiatives: Developing effective technical assistance systems. Health Education & Behavior, 29(5), 620–639.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, R. E., Stone-Wiggins, B., Stevenson, J. F., & Florin, P. (2004). Cultivating capacity: Outcomes of a statewide support system for prevention coalitions. Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community, 27(2), 67–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morrissey, E., Wandersman, A., Seybolt, D., Nation, M., Crusto, C., Davino, K. (1997). Toward a framework for bridging the gap between science and practice in prevention: A focus on evaluator and practitioner perspectives. Evaluation and Program Planning, 20, 367–377.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nathan, P. E., & Gorman, J. M. (2002). Efficacy, effectiveness, and the clinical utility of psychotherapy research. In P. E. Nathan & J. M. Gorman (Eds.), A guide to treatments that work (2nd ed., pp. 642–654). New York, NY, US: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osher, D., & Hanley, T. V. (2001). Implementing the SED National Agenda: Promising programs and policies for children and youth with emotional and behavioral problems. Education and Treatment of Children, 24, 374–403.

    Google Scholar 

  • Putnam, R. (1993). The prosperous community: Social capital and community life. The American Prospect, Spring, 35–42.

  • Redman, B. K., Levine, D., & Howard, D. (1987). Organizational resources in support of patient education programs: Relationship to reported delivery of instruction. Patient Education & Counseling, 9(2), 177–197.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riley, B. L., Taylor, S. M., & Elliot, S. J. (2001). Determinants of implementing heart health promotion activities in Ontario public health units: A social ecological perspective. Health Education Research, 16, 425–441.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rimer, B. K., Glanz, K., & Rasband, G. (2001). Searching for evidence about health education and health behavior interventions. Health Education & Behavior, 28(2), 231–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ringwalt, C., Ennet, S., Vincus, A., Thorne, J., Rohrbach, L. A., & Simons-Rudolph, A. (2002). The prevalence of effective substance use prevention curricula in U.S. middle schools. Prevention Science, 3(4), 257–265.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, E. M. (1995). Diffusion of innovations (4th ed.). New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rohrbach, L. A., D’Onofrio, C., Backer, T. E., & Montgomery, S. (1996). Diffusion of school-based substance abuse prevention programs. American Behavioral Scientist, 39(7), 919–934.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabol, W. J., Coulton, C. J., & Korbin, J. E. (2004). Building community capacity for violence prevention. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 19, 322–340.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sampson, R. J., Raudenbush, S. W., & Earls, F. (1997). Neighborhoods and violent crime: A multilevel study of collective efficacy. Science, 277, 918–924.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saul, J., Duffy, J., Noonan, R., Lubell, K., Wandersman, A., Flaspohler, P., Stillman, L., Blachman, M., & Dunville, R. (2008a). Bridging science and practice in violence prevention: Addressing ten key challenges. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(3–4).

  • Saul, J., Wandersman, A., Flaspohler, P., Duffy, J., Lubell, K., & Noonan, R. (2008b). Research and action for bridging the gap between prevention research and practice. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(3–4).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoenwald, S. K., & Hoagwood, K. (2001). Effectiveness, transportability, and dissemination of interventions: What matters when? Psychiatric Services, 52(9), 1190–1197.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schorr, L. B. (2003). Determining “what works” in social programs and social policies: Toward a more inclusive knowledge base. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, D. D. (2002). A conceptual framework for transferring research to practice. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 22, 171–182.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sogolow, E., Sleet, D., & Saul, J. (2007). Dissemination, implementation, and widespread use of injury prevention interventions. In L. S. Doll, S. E. Bonzo, J. A. Mercy, & D. A. Sleet (Eds.), Handbook of injury and violence prevention. New York, NY: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, K. R. (2002). Ace star model of EBP: The cycle of knowledge transformation. San Antonio, TX: Academic Center for Evidence-based Practice.

    Google Scholar 

  • Truman, B. I., Smith-Akin, C. K., Hinman, A. R., Gebbie, K. M., Brownson, R., & Novick, L. F., et al. (2000). Developing the guide to community preventive services: Overview and rationale. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 18(1 Supplement), 18–26.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wandersman, A. (2003). Community science: Bridging the gap between science and practice with community-centered models. American Journal of Community Psychology, 31, 227–242.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wandersman, A., & Florin, P. (2003). Community interventions and effective prevention. American Psychologist, 58, 441–448.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zaza, S., Briss, P. A., & Harris, K. W. (Eds.) (2005). The guide to community preventive services: What works to promote health? New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

  • Zimmerman, M. A. (2000). Empowerment theory: Psychological, organizational, and community levels of analysis. In J. Rappaport & E. Seidman (Eds.), Handbook of community psychology (pp. 43–63). Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA

    Abraham Wandersman, Jennifer Duffy, Lindsey Stillman & Morris Blachman

  2. Miami University, Oxford, USA

    Paul Flaspohler

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA

    Rita Noonan, Keri Lubell & Janet Saul

  4. Georgia Division of Public Health, Atlanta, USA

    Richard Dunville

Authors
  1. Abraham Wandersman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jennifer Duffy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Paul Flaspohler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Rita Noonan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Keri Lubell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Lindsey Stillman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Morris Blachman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Richard Dunville
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Janet Saul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Abraham Wandersman.

Additional information

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wandersman, A., Duffy, J., Flaspohler, P. et al. Bridging the Gap Between Prevention Research and Practice: The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation. Am J Community Psychol 41, 171–181 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-008-9174-z

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-008-9174-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation