Plain language summary
Dietetics is a science-based profession. To advance healthcare delivery, it is the mastery of implementation science that may hold the key to this profession. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the use of implementation science practice in nutrition and dietetics, and identify commonalities and differences in application and experience, and key enablers to the process, with the goal of assisting, informing and inspiring use of implementation science amongst dietitians. This study is a multiple case study approach which consisted of three case studies. The three case studies provided worked examples of how implementation science can be used by dietitians to implement evidence-based practices. Results show that cross-case analysis identified that diverse implementation theories, models and frameworks were used to identify key constructs as barriers and enablers, to plan for implementation and to guide the selection of implementation strategies. Authors conclude that there is a need for the dietetics profession to embrace implementation science as a foundation science and invest in education, training and mentoring to ensure dietetics can continue to claim to be an evidence-based science.
Abstract
AIM: Implementation science theories, models and frameworks help to address evidence-practice gaps, which have increasing importance for dietetic practice. This paper aims to provide dietitians with insight into how implementation science can be applied to practice, using multiple 'real-life' case studies. METHODS Three case studies were purposively selected across areas of dietetics practice to demonstrate application of commonly-used implementation theories, models and frameworks. Reflections from the authors were provided in response to a structured set of questions outlining how the theoretical approach was selected and used, and considerations for future application. Within and cross-case analysis was undertaken. RESULTS Dietitians used diverse implementation theories, models and frameworks to identify barriers and enablers, to plan for implementation, and to guide the selection of implementation strategies. Implementation theory was used to evaluate the implementation process in one case study. Cross-case analysis identified that mentoring by those with implementation expertise, multidisciplinary implementation teams, and leadership and investment in research and translation at an organisational and departmental level as key enablers. CONCLUSIONS This paper offers dietitians insight into how implementation science can be applied to improve the uptake of evidence-based practices within nutrition and dietetics, and suggests that there needs to be investment in implementation science as a foundation science within nutrition and dietetics, including education, training and mentoring for dietitians.
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