Revisiting concepts of evidence in implementation science.
Ross C BrownsonRachel C SheltonElvin H GengRussell E GlasgowPublished in: Implementation science : IS (2022)
To address our recommendations, we see capacity as a necessary ingredient to shift the field's approach to evidence. Capacity includes the "push" for implementation science where researchers are trained to develop and evaluate evidence which should be useful and feasible for implementers and reflect community or stakeholder priorities. Equally important, there has been inadequate training and too little emphasis on the "pull" for implementation science (e.g., training implementers, practice-based research). We suggest that funders and reviewers of research should adopt and support a more robust definition of evidence. By critically examining the evolving nature of evidence, implementation science can better fulfill its vision of facilitating widespread and equitable adoption, delivery, and sustainment of scientific advances.