Episode 12: Change Agents and Implementation Science with Crystle Alonzo and Rouzana Komesidou
Jul 13, 2019
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Experts in Change Agents and Implementation Science, Crystle Alonzo and Rouzana Komesidou, dive into the impact of colleagues on driving change, the diffusion of innovation model in communication sciences and disorders, real-life factors in the implementation process, and maintaining interventions in classroom settings. They also explore resources and initiatives in implementation science for communication science and disorders, as well as the significance of implementation science in healthcare.
Communication channels in diffusion of innovation include mass media and interpersonal communication.
Adopter categories in diffusion of innovation range from innovators to laggards based on openness to change.
Sustainability in implementation science ensures interventions are delivered and used effectively over the long term.
Deep dives
Diffusion of Innovation Model and Communication Channels
The diffusion of innovation model explores how new ideas are communicated through various channels over time among members of a social system. An innovation refers to any new idea or practice perceived as new by the social system. Communication channels include mass media like journals, interpersonal communication, and interactive channels such as social media. The process involves an innovation decision process that determines the adoption and use of new practices over time.
Key Players and Categories in the Diffusion of Innovation
In the diffusion of innovation, key players like change agents influence attitudes and behaviors in social systems. Opinion leaders influence others consistently. Gatekeepers control decision-making in systems. Adopter categories include innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. These categories represent different groups' attitudes towards adopting new innovations based on openness to change and influence.
Stages of the Innovation Decision Process
The innovation decision process involves five key stages: knowledge awareness, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation. In the knowledge awareness stage, individuals become aware of new innovations. The persuasion stage involves developing interest and attitudes towards the innovation. The decision stage requires actively engaging in activities leading to adopting or rejecting the innovation. The implementation stage focuses on scaling up and using the innovation on a larger scale.
Importance of Sustainability in Implementation Science
One of the critical aspects in implementation science is sustainability. It involves ensuring that interventions are delivered over the long term and continue to be used effectively. Sustainability goes beyond implementation to confirm that interventions remain in practice even after initial implementation. Factors affecting sustainability include organizational support, maintenance of effectiveness, and adaptation to fit different contexts.
The Role of Implementation Science in Closing the Research-Practice Gap
Implementation science serves as a crucial bridge to close the research-practice gap by studying the contextual factors that impact the implementation process. By applying implementation science principles, researchers and clinicians can enhance their understanding of how evidence-based practices can be effectively delivered and sustained in real-world settings. Through initiatives and resources in the field, such as conferences, networks, and funding opportunities, implementation science aims to accelerate the translation of research into practice to improve outcomes for patients and students.