The Intersection between Systems Change, Implementation Science, and Human Beings: A Call to Investigate People and Context in Future Systems-Level Consultation Research

ABSTRACT

Systems-level consultation and implementation science research has resulted in increased understanding of how to facilitate large-scale use of evidence-based practices. This article aims to build upon what has been learned to-date by calling for consultation researchers to focus more on the human interactions within change processes. The rationale for increased focus on how consultants, consultees, and clients make sense of and experience systems change processes is provided. Additionally, a vision for a research agenda is shared, including potential research questions, design and analysis considerations, and potential outcomes of engaging in this line of research.

Acknowledgment

I would like to acknowledge the roles of Drs. William Black and Andy Garbacz as well as of Doctoral Candidates Dia Davis and Emily Wingate to the ideas expressed in this article. Our work on a related manuscript contributed substantively to this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jose M. Castillo

Jose M. Castillo, PhD, NCSP is an associate professor in the School Psychology Program at the University of South Florida. He also directs the Institute for School Reform. His research interests include evaluating the implementation of multi-tiered systems of support from a systems change lens, and professional and practice issues in school psychology.