Dissemination and Implementation Science Toolkits

The toolkits are designed to help researchers and learners more easily digest the literature on D&I science and to generate ideas for applying it to their work.  Each includes a compilation of relevant literature and an AI chatbot that allows you to interact with the literature. Each also includes a short introductory video and podcast.

Models, Theories and Frameworks Toolkit:

Examines implementation science and the many theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) used to translate research into practical health settings. Key frameworks such as the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) help researchers identify specific barriers and facilitators that influence professional and patient behavior. The texts also highlight planning and evaluation models like PRECEDE-PROCEED and RE-AIM, which guide the design of interventions and measure their long-term sustainability and public health impact. Authors emphasize the necessity of adapting interventions to fit specific contexts, such as the challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the documents address the importance of social networks, organizational culture, and resource availability in achieving successful health outcomes. Together, these materials provide a comprehensive guide for selecting and applying scientific strategies to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and real-world practice.

Study Designs Toolkit:

Examines the diverse methodologies used in implementation science to bridge the gap between clinical research and real-world health practices. The texts detail complex study designs such as hybrid effectiveness-implementation trials, stepped wedge cluster randomized trials, and Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials (SMART) which allow for adaptive treatment strategies. A significant emphasis is placed on mixed methods, illustrating how combining quantitative data with qualitative approaches like ethnography and rapid qualitative analysis provides a deeper understanding of program success. The literature also highlights the importance of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and human-centered design to foster equitable partnerships and tailor interventions to specific cultural contexts. Furthermore, several papers address technical evaluative tools, including propensity score matching, interrupted time series analysis, and economic evaluations to measure cost-effectiveness. Collectively, these works provide a comprehensive framework for navigating the logistical, ethical, and statistical challenges of modern public health research.

*These toolkits are powered by NotebookLM, which requires the use of a Gmail address. Click here for a five-minute video demo walking users through the platform. 

To request access to one or both toolkits, contact Dr. Ranjit Singh, Core Director, at rs10@buffalo.edu, or Dr. Bonnie Vest, Core Associate Director, at bvest@buffalo.edu.