Abstract
Purpose: In this paper, we present our experiences–both successes and challenges–in implementing evidence-based classification tools into clinical practice. We also make recommendations for others wanting to promote the uptake and application of new research-based assessment tools. Method: We first describe classification systems and the benefits of using them in both research and practice. We then present a theoretical framework from Implementation Science to report strategies we have used to implement two research-based classification tools into practice. We also illustrate some of the challenges we have encountered by reporting results from an online survey investigating 58 Speech-language Pathologists’ knowledge and use of the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), a new tool to classify children’s functional communication skills. Result and conclusions: We offer recommendations for researchers wanting to promote the uptake of new tools in clinical practice. Specifically, we identify structural, organizational, innovation, practitioner, and patient-related factors that we recommend researchers address in the design of implementation interventions. Roles and responsibilities of both researchers and clinicians in making implementations science a success are presented.Implications for rehabilitation Promoting uptake of new and evidence-based tools into clinical practice is challenging. Implementation science can help researchers to close the knowledge-to-practice gap. Using concrete examples, we discuss our experiences in implementing evidence-based classification tools into practice within a theoretical framework. Recommendations are provided for researchers wanting to implement new tools in clinical practice. Implications for researchers and clinicians are presented.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1099-1107 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Disability and Rehabilitation |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 24 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Keywords
- Implementation science
- children
- classification tools
- research-to-practice
- speech-language pathology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rehabilitation