|
Click here for PDF version of Call for Proposals
The goal of this conference is for the research community to exchange ideas, explore contemporary topics and identify concepts, methods and strategies to build research and organizational capacity for dissemination and implementation science. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for Think Tanks and abstracts for oral presentations/panels, and posters. A range of research topics, descriptions of each type of session, and instructions for proposal submission, are provided below.
Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Trans-NIH Program Announcement, Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health, for the range of scientific topics that will be given priority for presentation at the conference:
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-07-086.html.
As defined within the NIH program announcements and for the purposes of this conference we are defining dissemination and implementation as follows:
Dissemination is the targeted distribution of information and intervention materials to a specific public health or clinical practice audience. The intent is to spread knowledge and the associated evidence-based interventions. Research on dissemination addresses how information about health promotion and care interventions are created, packaged, transmitted, and interpreted among a variety of important stakeholder groups.
Implementation is the use of strategies to adopt and integrate evidence-based health interventions and change practice patterns within specific settings. Research on implementation addresses the level to which health interventions can fit within real-world public health and clinical service systems.
All innovative and stimulating topics relevant to dissemination and implementation research will be considered for oral/poster presentations and think tanks. However, the following domains are particularly encouraged, to enhance the conference focus on building research capacity:
Research studies examining:
| • |
Development and testing of theoretical models for dissemination and implementation processes. |
| • |
New and innovative methodologies for studying dissemination and implementation processes and strategies. This could include systems science methodologies such as agent based modeling, systems dynamics simulation as well more commonly-employed observational and experimental approaches to impact and process evaluation. |
| • |
New measures for key dissemination and implementation constructs (e.g. context, organizational culture, outcomes monitoring and evaluation, turnover, leadership) and studies of the impacts of these factors on implementation processes, outcomes and sustainability. |
| • |
Capacity of specific settings (primary care, schools, community health settings, international settings, etc.) to incorporate dissemination or implementation efforts within current organizational arrangements. |
| • |
Development of research-practice- policy partnerships as a model for implementing evidence based practices and studying implementation. |
| • |
Innovative methods for training providers to deliver effective interventions. |
| • |
Development of strategies to enhance sustainability of effective practices. |
| • |
Longitudinal studies of factors that contribute to the sustainability of research-based improvements in public health and clinical practice. |
| • |
Use of technology as a platform for the delivery of effective interventions (e.g., web-based, electronic medical record). |
| • |
Technological advances in data collection methodology. |
| • |
Use of technology to support scaling up of interventions. |
| • |
Use of quality improvement methods to improve implementation of effective practices. |
| • |
Training models and/or curriculum development designed to increase and sustain the dissemination and implementation science workforce (e.g., interdisciplinary training programs in dissemination/implementation science). |
| • |
Models for increasing institutional support in academic settings for conducting dissemination and implementation research (e.g., research cores, centers). |
| • |
Implementation science with an international, global health perspective, particularly strategies to increase implementation science in low-and middle- income countries. |
back to top
Think Tank:
This is a 90-minute forum for dialogue around a “case study” which illustrates a particular challenge in dissemination or implementation research. The primary goal of a think tank is to stimulate an exchange of perspectives and ideas, and to enable networking of professionals who face a common challenge. The focus of these sessions will be on exploration of different approaches to resolution of a specific case that is put forth by the presenters. The format includes a brief presentation by an individual or panel (no more than 30% of allotted time) to “set the stage” for discussion, debate, trouble-shooting, and brainstorming by describing a case study which illustrates a specific problem area or dilemma. The chair will organize, propose, and facilitate the session. All attendees are encouraged to contribute. The last 5 to 10 minutes are summarized by a designated discussant or co-facilitator. There is no expectation for resolution; only enlightenment. Discussants will be expected to report back to the Program Committee on the highlights and key issues which emerged from the discussion that may be useful in guiding future research.
Examples of cases that might be presented would relate to:
| • |
methodological challenges of integrating public health data systems with implementation field experiments. |
| • |
working toward philosophical unity regarding the meaning of a key conceptual definition in the field. |
| • |
an improved design structure, model, etc. |
| • |
working toward resolution of apparent dilemmas in the literature. |
Oral Presentations (Individual or Panel):
Individual oral presentations should be no longer than 15 minutes, and can employ Power Point slides, if needed. Three oral presentations on a common topic will be grouped together by the planning committee for a 90-minute session.
Alternatively, presenters can propose a panel session that comprises three related papers. Approximately half of the session time should be saved for questions and discussion of the presentations. Each panel submission should include an abstract summarizing the overall purpose of the panel, as well as individual abstracts for each of the papers to be presented within.
Poster Presentations:
Posters will be presented on a standard conference poster board throughout the conference. There may also be a specific time allocated for poster discussions, to facilitate interaction with poster presenters. One poster board measuring 4’ x 6’ will be provided on-site for each poster presentation. All mounting supplies (e.g. masking tape, push pins) will also be provided on-site.
back to top
We invite submissions in three categories: (1) Think Tanks, (2) Oral presentations (individual or panel), (3) Poster presentations. Proposals must be submitted via e-mail to hkim@thehillgroup.com no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on September 26, 2008.
Instructions for Proposal Format
- All proposals should begin with the TITLE (in all caps: limit of 60 characters excluding spaces), followed by a listing of all co-authors, co presenters, or co-leaders, including name, degrees and affiliation.
- Indicate whether the proposal is submitted for consideration as 1) Think Tank; 2) Oral Presentation (individual or panel), or 3) Poster Presentation.
- Indicate primary contact person and provide contact information.
- Indicate which author will be presenting the paper/poster or leading the think tank (for latter, designate a discussant).
- The body of the proposal should begin on a new line and contain no more than 300 words.
Think Tank proposals must contain the following key points:
| • |
The problem area or dilemma to be addressed in the session. |
| • |
A brief description of the case that will be presented to participants. |
| • |
The specific content area or framework which the chair and each panel participant (if applicable) will present. |
| • |
The way in which the discussion highlights and key emerging issues will be captured and documented for the program committee. |
| • |
The name and affiliation of the chair (primary presenter), other participants (if applicable) and discussant. |
Oral Presentation (individual or panel) and Poster abstracts must contain the following key points:
| • |
The primary research question or hypothesis (Objective or Introduction are acceptable). |
| • |
The research methods employed in the research. |
| • |
A summary of findings that are supported by the data presented. |
| • |
If abstract is being proposed as part of a panel session, indicate title and chair of overall panel. Panel submissions must include an abstract summarizing the overall purpose of the panel, as well as individual abstracts for each presentation. |
| • |
All abstract submissions must acknowledge the primary source of funding, including government, industry, foundation or academic institutional support. |
back to top
Proposals must be submitted via e-mail to hkim@thehillgroup.com no later than 5PM Pacific Time on September 26, 2008.
All proposal submissions will undergo a blind peer review by the Program Planning Committee. The Planning Committee reserves the right to elevate any submission to a plenary session. Proposals selected will be included in a conference program book.
E-mail confirmation will be provided after your submission is received.
The Program Committee will notify the first author about acceptance of the proposal by early November.
back to top
NOTE ABOUT THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP
A half-day technical assistance workshop will be held the afternoon of January 29, 2009. Concept papers are due December 1, 2008.
The technical assistance workshop is intended for researchers who are interested in submitting an application under the current funding opportunity announcements, with an emphasis on small grants (R03s) and exploratory/developmental grants (R21s). See: “Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health,” PAR-06-520, and PAR-06-521; http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-520.html; http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-06-521.html.
Interested participants must submit a two-page concept paper that includes no more than one page of specific aims and a one-page research design description. These concept papers will be used to provide feedback to participants and to organize content-specific discussion groups during the workshop. (Concept paper guidelines - PDF). |
|
