Practical Guide to Dissemination and Implementation Science for Pediatric Hospitalists

In pediatric hospital medicine (PHM), effective interventions often fail to reach the bedside or are significantly delayed, contributing to gaps in quality, outcomes, and value. Dissemination and implementation (D&I) science addresses this evidence-to-practice gap by studying methods to promote the uptake, integration, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions in real-world settings. In this methodology article, we apply a PHM lens to D&I science, outlining when D&I is most useful and how it differs from quality improvement and traditional efficacy and effectiveness research. We introduce core D&I terminology and commonly used theories, models, and frameworks and describe key steps in conducting D&I studies, including identifying contextual barriers, selecting theory-informed implementation strategies, assessing appropriate implementation outcomes, applying rigorous study designs, and planning for dissemination and sustainment. We highlight practical tools and examples from PHM literature to support application in inpatient pediatric settings. We also discuss key limitations, including methodological complexity and challenges with measurement and reproducibility. By providing a pragmatic overview, this article aims to equip pediatric hospitalists and researchers with foundational D&I knowledge to accelerate translation of evidence into practice and improve care for hospitalized children.