Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Lesley B. Olswang Julie L. Feuerstein Natalie F. Douglas

About the Authors

Lesley B. Olswang, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Professor Emerita
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington

Lesley Olswang is Professor Emerita in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. She received her B.S. degree from Northwestern University, her M.S. degree from the University of Illinois, and her Ph.D. degree from the University of Washington, all in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) with an emphasis on speech-language pathology. Dr. Olswang holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in speech-language pathology.

Julie L. Feuerstein, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida

Julie Feuerstein is an assistant professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Central Florida. She obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees in communication disorders and speech-language pathology at Boston University and her Ph.D. in speech and hearing sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Natalie F. Douglas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Associate Professor
College of Liberal Arts, Department of Communicative Disorders
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, Louisiana

Natalie Douglas is an associate professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she holds the Doris Hawthorne Professorship IV. She earned her Ph.D. in neurocommunicative sciences with a focus on implementation research from the University of South Florida.

Introduction: Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Pillars of Implementation Research
Implementation Research Process
Identifying an Appropriate Approach: Designs and Data Types
Selecting Implementation Strategies and Outcomes
From Idea to Impact: Funding Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Deciding to Pursue Implementation Research?
The Journey Continues
Resources
Glossary
Index

Preface

Clinical researchers in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) have been increasingly attracted to implementation science (IS) as a way to merge evidence and practice. The goal of IS research for CSD is to improve outcomes for individuals with communication and related disorders. Research evidence contributes to clinical accountability, knowledge base, ethical considerations, and efficiency of services.

Implementation Science

The discipline of implementation science (IS) focuses on translating research knowledge into practice, thereby closing the research-practice gap. IS promotes the uptake of research findings and evidence-based practices to enhance service delivery quality.

About the Contributors

Crystle N. Alonzo, Ph.D., CCC-SLP: Director of the CORAL Lab at San Diego State University.
Genesis D. Arizmendi, Ph.D., CCC-SLP: Assistant professor at the University of Arizona, studying bilingual development.
Cathy Binger, Ph.D., CCC-SLP: Professor at the University of New Mexico specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Sharynne McLeod, Ph.D.: Distinguished Professor of Speech and Language Acquisition at Charles Sturt University, Australia.
Mindy S. Bridges, Ph.D.: Associate professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center studying language and reading development.
Meghan M. Davidson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP: Clinical researcher aiming to support individuals with autism.