Integrating community engagement with implementation science to advance the measurement of translational science

Applying Implementation Science in the Field of Transplant and Cellular Therapy

Implementation science (IS) is a systematic way to approach the broader adoption of evidence-based practices and has as its goal to understand and address the gap between research and practice, ensuring that research findings are effectively translated into practice and policy to improve health outcomes and service. We describe the various facets of IS and their relevance to the field of hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy (HCT/CT) with an emphasis on health equity, community engagement, and systems approach. We also review the similarities and differences among clinical research, quality improvement, and IS. Additionally, we describe how the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research applies IS across various phases: dissemination, analyzing current practices, and developing implementation intervention strategies. This includes designing studies and evaluations, scaling up operations, and ensuring sustainability. Lastly, we discuss further applications of IS in HCT/CT including the application to prospective research studies, collaboration across the field, and standardization and adoption of best practices. The application of IS in HCT/CT is pivotal to bringing research benefits directly to all patients. Through partnership, open-mindedness, and a commitment to evidence-based practice, we can collectively ensure the greatest impact of research on improving patient outcomes following HCT/CT.

Implementation Science's Role in Community Engagement for Substance Use Prevention

Until recently, the field of implementation science has provided limited insight and guidance on the use of community engagement and partnership to support implementation of evidence-based practices. Listing community engagement as a barrier to optimal implementation is often the extent of the discussion. An article recently published by Perry et al. (PS 24:61-76, 2023) details what community engagement can entail and documents how this engagement can shape opioid use prevention research. The article also describes benefits of engaging community partners in prevention interventions, particularly for opioid use disorder, and the feasibility of employing multiple levels of engagement to do so. The article concludes by emphasizing areas for future research including examining the role community engagement has on the success of prevention interventions and the impact on long-term intervention outcomes. To respond to the Perry et al. (PS 24:61-76, 2023) article, our team conducted a literature scan of recently published implementation science and community engagement manuscripts, which demonstrated a growing body of research on the subject. We summarize these findings by offering suggested approaches for integrating implementation science and community engagement for substance use prevention programs and suggestions for advancing this intersection.

Community engagement and financial arrangements: Navigating institutional change

Despite their documented benefits, the widespread adoption of community-engaged and participatory approaches among health researchers remains limited. Institutional practices and policies influence the uptake of community engagement and participatory approaches. We examine the role of financial arrangements between university researchers and community partners, by exploring efforts to bridge the gap between research administration and researchers at two research-intensive institutions. The type of financial arrangement a researcher has with a community partner plays an important role in setting the stage for the structure of the partnership as it relates to shared decision-making and ownership of the research. Continued efforts to clarify and streamline subcontracting processes are needed as is infrastructure to support community partners and researchers as they navigate financial arrangements if progress is to be made.