Implementation Science Summer School 2012

29th to 31st August 2012

Implementation research is the scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice, and, hence, to improve the quality and effectiveness of (health) services and care.  This relatively new field includes “The study of influences on (healthcare) professional and organisational behaviour“ Eccles and Mittman, Implementation Science;  1: 1, 2006.  The concept originated in the US in education and detention centres.  Within health and social care the ‘implementation gap’ i.e. the gap between the evidence of what works in theory and what happens in practice is widely recognised.  This summer school has been developed by Trinity College Dublin in conjunction with the Centre for Effective Services.

The intended audience includes policy makers, practitioners and researchers from a variety of backgrounds including health and social care services, private health care, the pharmaceutical/biotechnology and education sectors.

The objectives of the Summer School are as follows:

• To bring the core thinking of implementation science to a wider audience from multi-disciplinary and multi-organisational backgrounds
• To analyse what impedes implementation in a variety of settings (public healthcare, private healthcare, bio-industry, social care and education)
• To explore the principles of putting implementation science into practice, by providing examples of good practice nationally and internationally, through case studies

The programme will comprise a series of lectures, case-studies and workshops.  The lectures from key note speakers will provide participants with the background theory behind implementation science.  The keynote speakers include Prof Dean Fixsen and Prof Karen Blase of the National Implementation Research Network, (NIRN) at the University of North Carolina, Professor Susan Michie of University College London and Mr Tony O’Brien of the Special Delivery Unit, Department of Health.  The case studies will provide practical examples of implementation projects.

Examples will include implementation of the Clinical Programmes in the Health Service Executive, implementation of a falls strategy for older people, an early childhood intervention programme and examples from the private and pharmaceutical/biotechnology sectors.

The workshops will allow participants to explore the various aspects of implementation in more detail.

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 100 participants.

Venue:
Arts Building, Main Campus, Trinity College Dublin

Cost:

• Early registration before 30^th June
  €250 per person including conference dinner on August 30^th, €220 excluding dinner.
• Late registration
  €300 including conference dinner on August 30^th, €270 excluding dinner.

Contact: amealy@tcd.ie