# Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders Lesley B. Olswang Julie L. Feuerstein Natalie F. Douglas # Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders Excerpted from Implementation Research in by # Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders By Lesley B. Olswang, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Professor Emerita Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences University of Washington Seattle, Washington and Julie L. Feuerstein, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Assistant Professor School of Communication Sciences and Disorders University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida and Natalie F. Douglas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Associate Professor College of Liberal Arts, Department of Communicative Disorders University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana --- ## Contents 1. About the Downloads .................................................... vii 2. Series Preface ........................................................... viii 3. Editorial Advisory Board .................................................. ix 4. About the Authors ......................................................... x 5. About the Contributors .................................................. xiii 6. Preface ................................................................... xvi 7. Foreword by Howard Goldstein, Ph.D. ................................. xix 8. Foreword by Enola Proctor, Ph.D .................................... xxi 9. Acknowledgments ........................................................ xxiv ## I Philosophical Statement: Why Are We Here? .............................. 2 ### 1. Introduction: Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders .......... 5 ### 2. Pillars of Implementation Research.................................. 13 ### 3. Implementation Research Process ................................. 25 ## II Philosophical Statement: What Do You Want to Accomplish? ............... 34 ### 4. Narrowing the Focus .................................................. 35 ### 5. Sorting Through Context: Selecting Implementation Frameworks ................................ 57 ## III Philosophical Statement: Can I Really Do Implementation Research? ... 122 ### 6. Identifying an Appropriate Approach: Designs and Data Types ................................ 75 ### 7. Selecting Implementation Strategies and Outcomes ................. 99 ## IV Philosophical Statement: What Have We Learned? ........................ 166 ### 8. From Idea to Impact: Funding Implementation Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders ..... 125 ### 9. Deciding to Pursue Implementation Research? ................... 143 ### 10. The Journey Continues ............................................. 169 ## Appendices - Appendix A Resources: How Do We Keep Up? ................................................. 183 - Appendix B Downloadable Resources ........................................................ 187 - Glossary ............................................................................... 191 - Index ...................................................................................... 195 --- # Series Preface The purpose of the Communication and Language Intervention Series is to provide meaningful foundations for the application of sound intervention designs to enhance the development of communication skills across the life span. We aim to select topics that reflect diverse viewpoints and promote optimal approaches to communication and language intervention through rigorous research. # Editorial Advisory Board ## Series Editors - Alan G. Kamhi, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders University of North Carolina–Greensboro Greensboro - Rebecca J. McCauley, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor, Department of Speech & Hearing Science The Ohio State University Columbus ## Board Members - Yvette Hyter, Ph.D. - Sharynne McLeod, Ph.D. - Patricia A. Prelock, Ph.D. - Elizabeth D. Peña, Ph.D. - Nan Bernstein Ratner, Ed.D. # About the Authors ## Lesley B. Olswang Lesley B. Olswang, Ph.D., is a Professor Emerita at the University of Washington, renowned for her research on communication disorders in young children and innovation in intervention strategies. ## Julie L. Feuerstein Julie L. Feuerstein, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida, focusing her research on enhancing communication outcomes through evidence-based practices and community partnerships. ## Natalie F. Douglas Natalie F. Douglas, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, dedicated to advancing implementation research to improve care for individuals with communication disorders. # About the Contributors Contributors to this work include experts from various institutions, each bringing unique perspectives and depth to the field of communication sciences and disorders. They include researchers and practitioners focused on effective strategies to bridge gaps between research and clinical practice. # Preface Implementation research plays a vital role in enhancing care for individuals with communication and related disorders. The current book provides a structured approach to planning and conducting implementation research, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between researchers and practitioners in addressing real-world challenges. ## Implementation Science Implementation science emerged over the last two decades focused on the methodology for integrating evidence-based practices into routine care, highlighting the iterative nature of translating research into clinical application. # Conclusion This book serves as a foundational resource for researchers and clinicians aiming to enhance the quality of care for individuals with communication disorders by merging evidence with practice.