Implementation Science

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Evidence-based healthcare: A real-world approach to research

Integrating evidence-based research into real-world practice is the goal of the MedStar Health Research Institute’s Implementation Science program. The purpose of our research is to understand the effectiveness of health promotion interventions, how multiple levels of influence and context affect their use, and how to increase the utilization of evidence-based health promotion interventions. Our research uses relevant theories, models, or frameworks to understand the best mechanism and how it contributes to generalizable knowledge.

Through scientifically rigorous research in pragmatic clinical settings, we promote equitable, evidence-based care. We aim to create systems change that enables the delivery of evidence-based and patient-centered care to achieve equitable health outcomes among people from diverse demographics, geographic areas, and cultures.

Current research topics

Implementation Science at MedStar Health Research Institute integrates evidence-based research with real-world practice. Our research aims to identify strategies to increase evidence-based practice by understanding how multi-level influences and context impact intervention utilization. Much of our work is mixed-methods and multi-level.

Scaling social risk factor screening in oncology settings
- Building and solidifying partnerships between clinical settings and community partners
- Close engagement with oncology care settings across Washington, DC
- Engaging advisory boards to provide input and direction on the study
- Examining diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in oncology care
Technology-delivered interventions
- A chatbot for post-partum individuals and newborn caregivers to provide information about warning signs and reconnect to providers
- A smart speaker delivered intervention to deliver elements of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
- A mHealth and coaching intervention for adolescents and young adult cancer survivors to increase wellness
Multi-level studies, including community, patient, and provider perspectives
Deploying patient navigation to address colorectal cancer screening disparities in primary care
- Tailored support for practices
- Addressing barriers among racial and ethnic minority groups
- Aligning with system goals on colorectal cancer screening