Developing a practice-driven research agenda in implementation science: Perspectives from experienced implementation support practitioners

Background Attention is being placed on the “ironic gap” or “secondary” research-to-practice gap in field of implementation science. Among several challenges posited to exacerbate this gap, we call attention one challenge particular—the relative dearth research that tethered intimately lived experiences support practitioners (ISPs). The purpose study feature a qualitative approach engaging with highly experienced ISPs inform development practice-driven agenda In general, aim encourage ongoing empirical inquiry foregrounds questions. Method Our analytic sample was comprised 17 professionals different child and family service systems, each long-term experience using science frameworks change efforts. Data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews. analysis followed content approach. focal conceptual category centered desired areas future highlighted by respondents, subcategories reflecting subsets related question ideas. Results Interviews yielded varying responses could help shape for following regarding identified respondents’ answers: (a) stakeholder engagement developing trusting relationships, (b) evidence use, (c) workforce development, (d) cost-effective implementation. Conclusions There significant promise bringing practice together more closely building practice-informed findings point not only valuable gaps literature be filled researchers, but also topics which dissemination translation efforts may have optimal reach. We highlight value bolstering their own capacity fullest extent possible.