Dissemination and Implementation Science in Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Review and Case Study

Area of Science:

• Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Science
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Dissemination and implementation (D&I) science focuses on integrating evidence-based interventions into routine clinical practice.
• D&I techniques are currently underutilized within the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
• This review contextualizes D&I science specifically for cardiothoracic surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of D&I science and its terminology for cardiothoracic surgeons.
• To illustrate D&I techniques through a national case study on lung protective management strategies for lung donor optimization.
• To discuss implementation challenges unique to cardiothoracic surgery and highlight successful D&I interventions from other surgical subspecialties.

Main Methods:

• Review of D&I science principles and terminology.
• Case study analysis of a national lung donor optimization program.
• Examination of implementation successes and failures in cardiothoracic surgery and other surgical fields.

Main Results:

• Introduction to fundamental D&I science concepts and terminology.
• A case study demonstrating the application of D&I for national lung donor optimization.
• Identification of specific challenges to D&I in cardiothoracic surgery and examples of successful interventions, including deimplementation.

Conclusions:

• Cardiothoracic surgeons can benefit from understanding and applying D&I science principles.
• Addressing unique surgical implementation challenges is crucial for adopting evidence-based practices.
• Successful D&I strategies, including deimplementation, can enhance patient care and surgical outcomes.