Terminology for Dissemination and Implementation Research

Abstract

Abstract In order for a field to prosper and thrive, a common language is essential. As is often the case when many disciplines and numerous organizations converge in development of a field, dissemination and implementation research is still characterized by inconsistent terminology. While the “state of the art” might still not be advanced enough to resolve all of the existing inconsistencies in terminology, this chapter represents the tremendous amount of development that happened over the past 5 years to create platforms and approaches for a more consistent, agreed-on language for dissemination and implementation research across topic areas, stakeholder groups, and geographical areas. As the dissemination and implementation field makes progress toward a shared terminology, we can expect to see higher quality dissemination and implementation research and greater contribution of dissemination and implementation science to improving public health and clinical practice.