Addressing implementation considerations when developing universal interventions for speech, language and...

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Educational Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Effective health interventions for children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) in educational settings require understanding implementation factors.
• Current intervention development for SLCN in schools inadequately addresses implementation considerations.
• A gap exists in guiding research on how to best implement SLCN interventions within the classroom environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a protocol for a scoping review of existing implementation frameworks.
• To identify frameworks that can guide research on SLCN interventions in schools.
• To inform the development and uptake of universal interventions for children with SLCN.

Main Methods:

• The study will follow established scoping review guidelines across five phases: identification, screening, data extraction, synthesis, and stakeholder consultation.
• Two independent reviewers will conduct screening and data extraction to ensure rigor.
• Identified implementation frameworks will be categorized using domains from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Main Results:

• A draft implementation science model will be proposed based on the synthesized findings of the scoping review.
• The review will collate and describe relevant implementation frameworks.
• Categorization of framework constructs will provide a structured overview of existing implementation science tools.

Conclusions:

• The findings will offer guidance for researchers developing and implementing universal SLCN interventions in mainstream classrooms.
• This work aims to improve the effectiveness of interventions for children with SLCN.
• Ultimately, the review contributes to enhancing outcomes for this vulnerable population through better-informed implementation strategies.