Date Presented 03/26/20
IS aims to bridge the research–practice gap and 17-year odyssey by utilizing IS theories, models, and frameworks. IS facilitates the identification of implementation-based strategies to promote rapidity and scalability of evidence-based practice. We mapped the IS theories, models, and frameworks included in OT published research.
Primary Author and Speaker: Jennifer Weaver
Additional Authors and Speakers: Halley Read, Emily Balog, Nicole Martino, Monika Sinha, Mary Corcoran
PURPOSE: Occupational Therapy (OT) encourages utilization of Implementation Science (IS) in research and practice to raise rigor and rapidity of dissemination. Despite this encouragement, the relevance of IS in OT research is still unknown. It continues to take 17 years for new, evidence-informed knowledge to integrate into clinical practice. IS aims to bridge the bench to bedside research-practice gap and 17-year odyssey by utilizing IS theories, models and frameworks to identify appropriate implementation-based strategies to promote rapidity and scalability of evidence-based practice. We aim to map the IS theories, models, and frameworks included in OT research.
DESIGN: conducted a PRISMA systematic review of the application of IS theories, models, and frameworks in the OT research literature. Our search strategy was developed with a research librarian to include terms related to: OT, IS, and knowledge translation. We searched CINAHL, SCOPUS, and PubMed. Study inclusion criteria included: an English language, US-based study within ten years where an OT co/authored an article reporting at least one IS theory, model, or framework.
METHOD: Two authors conducted the title, abstract, and full text review. Once the article met all eligibility criteria, data was extracted. We utilized the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network conduct a methodological assessment of each article. From the included articles, we selected two exemplar articles for a content analysis. The content analysis included detailed memo writing and expert discussions to identify categories describing IS constructs found within the OT literature.
RESULTS: We screened 3,024 articles and 17 met inclusion criteria. Seventy percent (n=12) occurred in the past five years. Five studies included more than one IS theory, model and framework. Fifty percent of the articles included classic theories while the remaining articles incorporated implementation theories, determinant, evaluation and process frameworks. Content analysis identified six categories describing the use of IS within OT literature. For example, categories included: clear definitions for IS concepts, identifying barriers and facilitators to translating knowledge, and utilizing a complexity lens. Articles utilizing IS were predominantly in rehabilitation, home health, or discussing research utilization amongst OT practitioners.
CONCLUSION: Mapping the use of IS theories, models, and frameworks in OT research posits the field to understand our evidence to practice gap. We found a heavy reliance on classic theories, specifically in the earlier years. More recent trends show the use of process and evaluation frameworks. After mapping the use of IS in the field of OT, we may begin to look at trends across the field to examine if studies using IS theories, models, and frameworks are quicker to disseminate and implement findings promoting evidence-informed, high value care.
IMPACT STATEMENT: We provide the beginning of a critical conversation ensuring OT leads the way at being able to rapidly incorporate new evidence or de-implement existing, low-value interventions across practice areas.
References
Brownson RC, Colditz GA, Proctor EK. Dissemination and implementation research in health: translating science to practice. New York, Oxford University Press, 2012.
Juckett LA, Robinson ML, Wengerd LR. Narrowing the Gap: An Implementation Science Research Agenda for the Occupational Therapy Profession. (The Issue Is). AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2019;73(5).
Tricco, A., Lillie, E., Zarin, W., O’Brien, K., Colquhoun, H., Levac, D., … Wilson, . (2018). PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. 467–473. ISSN 0003–4819.
Corcoran M. Dissemination or knowledge translation?(Editorial). AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2006;60(5):487.
