Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104119

Dean L. Fixsen, PhD, Karen A. Blase, PhD, and Sandra F. Naoom, MSPH. Child and Family Studies, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MHC 2312, Tampa, FL 33612, 813-974-4446, dfixsen@fmhi.usf.edu

The purpose of this presentation is to describe the results of a far-reaching review of the implementation literature. There is broad agreement that implementation is a decidedly complex endeavor, more complex than the policies, programs, procedures, techniques, or technologies that are the subject of the implementation efforts. In the course of the review of the literature, conceptual frameworks were developed to help summarize the information, create understanding, and evolve testable hypotheses. Implementation is synonymous with coordinated change at system, organization, program, and practice levels. In a fundamental sense implementation is most successful when carefully selected practitioners receive coordinated training, coaching, and frequent performance assessments; when organizations provide the infrastructure necessary for timely training, skillful supervision and coaching, and regular process and outcome evaluations; when communities and consumers are fully involved in the selection and evaluation of programs and practices; and when state and federal funding avenues, policies, and regulations create a hospitable environment for implementation and program operations. Based on the findings from this review of the literature it is concluded that thoughtful and effective implementation strategies at multiple levels are essential to any systematic attempt to use the products of science to improve the lives of children, families, and adults.

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