A Generic Implementation Framework for School-Based Research and Practice

Abstract

Purpose: One of our biggest challenges is integrating evidence-based research into practice to serve students with communication disorders. To encourage the systematic application of research findings into practice, implementation science offers frameworks and tools, many of which have a narrow scope. It is important to have comprehensive frameworks that encompass all essential implementation concepts to support implementation in schools. Method: Guided by the generic implementation framework (GIF; Moullin et al., 2015), we reviewed implementation science literature to identify and tailor frameworks and tools covering all core concepts of implementation: (a) the process of implementation, (b) the domains and determinants of practice, (c) implementation strategies, and (d) evaluations. Results: We created a version of the GIF for school settings, called the GIF-School, to bring together frameworks and tools that sufficiently cover core concepts of implementation. The GIF-School is accompanied by an open access toolkit, which lists selected frameworks, tools, and useful resources. Conclusion: Researchers and practitioners, in speech-language pathology and education more broadly, who seek to apply implementation science frameworks and tools to improve school services for students with communication disorders may turn to the GIF-School as a resource. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23605269