Training in dissemination and implementation research: a field-wide perspective.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science
• Behavioral Health Research

Background:

• NIH convened a meeting of leaders in dissemination and implementation (D&I) research training.
• Focus was on accelerating the translation of research findings into healthcare practice.
• Participants primarily represented behavioral health-related D&I research, including cancer control, mental health, and substance abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To convene leaders in D&I research training to develop a field-wide perspective.
• To identify necessary resources and address critical gaps in D&I research training.
• To foster collaboration across disciplines and career levels in D&I research.

Main Methods:

• A 2-day meeting was convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Participants included leaders of current D&I training programs, center directors, and trainees.
• Advance questions were synthesized and presented to facilitate discussion on training needs and challenges.

Main Results:

• A preliminary field-wide perspective on D&I research training emerged, encompassing diverse disciplines and career stages.
• Current D&I training programs face challenges including high demand, the need for continuous evolution, and sustainability.
• Identified gaps include practical implementation training and predoctoral-level education.

Conclusions:

• Continued evolution and sustainability of D&I training programs are essential.
• Addressing identified gaps in implementation practice and predoctoral training is critical.
• Federal funding is vital for supporting specialized D&I research training across various disease areas and career tracks.