Table 1.
Terminology of Implementation Science and Other Related Fields
| Field | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical effectiveness research | Evaluating different approaches to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease in real-world clinical and community settings, using a range of health and economic outcomes as end points. | • Comparing effectiveness of peer coaching using outbound phone calls vs. a toll-free number that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can use to get answers to questions about use of supplemental oxygen |
| • Testing the use of step-up therapy with leukotriene modifiers vs. inhaled corticosteroids in children with uncontrolled asthma | ||
| Diffusion | Passive, untargeted, unplanned, and uncontrolled spread of innovations to end users (patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other health-related decision makers). Alternatively, the generic process through which an innovation is communicated via channels over time among members of a social system. | • Discussions among individuals in a group practice after a continuing medical education meeting |
| • Use of online chat rooms by people with specific health conditions after they learn about a new medical discovery from a newspaper article | ||
| Dissemination | Active approach of spreading an innovation to a target end user via determined channels using a planned strategy. Alternatively, what the source or sponsor does to reach and affect the decisions or behavior of potential end users. | • Use of peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and newsletters targeting members of a professional society |
| • “Grand rounds” at an academic health care center | ||
| Implementation science | Scientific study of the mechanisms by which effective health care interventions are adopted or discarded in clinical and community settings. Also includes the development and testing of specific strategies that target mediating or moderating mechanisms to accelerate the adoption or discontinuation of health care in clinical and community settings. | • Evaluation of strategies to promote use of directly observed tuberculosis therapy |
| • User-centered observations to understand how asthma action plans inform decisions made by caregivers of children with asthma |