Collaborating on the development and implementation of evidence-based practices: Advancing science and practice

Preparation of this manuscript was in part supported by a Research Partnership grant supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R305H160034 to the University of South Florida. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.

Abstract

Implementation Science has recently gained considerable attention for the discipline of Communication Sciences and Disorders as a promising means for closing the research–practice gap by proactively facilitating the use of evidence-based protocols in practice. One of the pillars of Implementation Science is collaboration between researchers and stakeholders. This article describes the benefits of researcher–stakeholder collaboration, along with the challenges. Different types of collaborative approaches are provided with specific examples. Guidelines for creating and sustaining successful collaborations are provided. The article concludes with an appeal for more research that brings together the talents and expertise of researchers and other stakeholders in conducting scientifically rigorous and practically important studies in ways that improves the likelihood of adoption and sustained use of evidence-based practices.

Keywords:

• Collaborative research
• Evidence-based practice
• Implementation science

Notes

Preparation of this manuscript was in part supported by a Research Partnership grant supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R305H160034 to the University of South Florida. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.