PUBLICATION: Advancing the science of policy implementation: a call to action for the implementation science field

IS-2 Scholars, Yuka Asada, PhD, RDN (2021 Cohort) and Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers, PhD (2020 Cohort) were co-authors of the recently published work in Translational Behavioral Medicine – Advancing the science of policy implementation: a call to action for the implementation science field. Abstract Public policies have been essential in addressing many of the most pressing public […]

PUBLICATION: The relation of food insecurity to eating disorder characteristics and treatment-seeking among adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screen

IS-2 Scholar, Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, PhD (2020 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in Eating Behaviors – The relation of food insecurity to eating disorder characteristics and treatment-seeking among adult respondents to the National Eating Disorders Association online screen. Abstract Background: Food insecurity (FI), characterized by limited or uncertain access to adequate food, […]

PUBLICATION: Diabetes distress in a Medicaid sample: The role of psychosocial and health-related factors

IS-2 Scholar, Niko Verdecias, DrPh, MPH, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications – Diabetes distress in a Medicaid sample: The role of psychosocial and health-related factors. Abstract Aims Diabetes-related distress can negatively affect disease management leading to worse complications, especially among marginalized populations. Prior studies mostly focus […]

PUBLICATION: Reach and uptake of digital mental health interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapy for college students: A systematic review

IS-2 Scholar, Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, PhD, (2020 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in the Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy – Reach and uptake of digital mental health interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapy for college students: A systematic review. Abstract Background Mental health problems are increasing in prevalence among college students, yet few students receive treatment due to […]

PUBLICATION: Examining Mental Health, Education, Employment, and Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

IS-2 Scholar, Kelly Harris, PhD, CCC-SLP, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in JAMA Network Open – Examining Mental Health, Education, Employment, and Pain in Sickle Cell Disease Abstract Importance  Pain related to sickle cell disease (SCD) is complex and associated with social determinants of health. Emotional and stress-related effects of SCD impact daily quality […]

PUBLICATION: Strategies to Bridge Equitable Implementation of Telehealth

Members of the IS-2 Implementaiton Science and Telehealth Collaborative Workgroup recently published a viewpoint in the Interactive Journal of Medical Research highlighting opportunities to address equitable implementation in telehealth. Collaborative WG members include (ordered by Authorship): Allison Gustavson, DPT, PhD (2020 Scholar), Allison Lewinski, PhD, MPH (2021 Scholar), Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, PhD (2020 Scholar), Gloria Coronado, PhD (Core […]

PUBLICATION: The Integration of Community Voice in the Implementation of a Mobile Health Program

IS-2 Scholar, Rachel Zimmer, DNP, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action – The Integration of Community Voice in the Implementation of a Mobile Health Program. Abstract Background: Health care access is vital to advancing health equity. The purpose of this paper was to use […]

PUBLICATION: Feasibility evaluation of the Reaching Out to Kids with Emotional Trauma (ROcKET) intervention in an elementary school: a single-arm, single-centre, feasibility study based on the RE-AIM framework

IS-2 Scholar, Bill Heerman, MD, MPH, (2020 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in BMJ Open– Feasibility evaluation of the Reaching Out to Kids with Emotional Trauma (ROcKET) intervention in an elementary school: a single-arm, single-centre, feasibility study based on the RE-AIM framework. Abstract Objective The study purpose was to describe feasibility of implementation of the […]

PUBLICATION: Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Place of Death among Medicaid and Commercially Insured Patients with Cancer in Washington State

IS-2 Scholar, Laura Panattoni, PhD, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in Journal of Clinical Oncology – Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Place of Death among Medicaid and Commercially Insured Patients with Cancer in Washington State. Abstract PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic–related disruptions in health care delivery might have affected end-of-life care in patients […]

PUBLICATION: Sociodemographic Differences of Hospitalization and Associations of Resource Utilization for Failure to Thrive

IS-2 Scholar, Lauren Fiechtner, MD, (2020 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition– Sociodemographic Differences of Hospitalization and Associations of Resource Utilization for Failure to Thrive. Abstract Objectives:  This study examines the sociodemographic differences between elective and nonelective admissions for failure to thrive (FTT). We investigate associations between admission type and […]

Training Helps Scholars Put Their Research into Practice, Achieve Equity

Story by Timothy Poor, Publications Editor. Images by Tina McGrath Photography. Scholars from across the US gathered at the Brown School and on Zoom in November to participate in the first in-person training by the Institute for Implementation Science Scholars, IS-2 for short. The IS-2 program offers training in dissemination and implementation (D&I) science – […]

IS-2 contributes to study identifying 8 novel competencies for implementation science

A new article, published in Implementation Science Research and Practice, highlights recommendations to sustain current Implementation Science (IS) capacity building programs (ISCBPs) and includes novel and emerging IS competencies for the field. The multi-method study, authored by Dr. Amy Huebschmann and colleagues, was supported by several members of the IS-2 program, including (a-z) Dr. Ross […]

IS-2 at the 15th Annual Conference on the Science of D&I in Health

The 15th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health, co-hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and AcademyHealth, will be hosted December 11-14, 2022. This year’s theme, (Re)Building Better Systems: Being Proactive, Nimble, and Responsive, will build upon lessons learned about rapidly changing community health and clinical settings to envisioning […]

PUBLICATION: Facilitators and Barriers to Implementation and Sustainability of Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions in Early Childcare Settings: a Systematic Review

IS-2 Scholars, Yuka Asada, PhD, RD (2021 Cohort) and Angela Kong, PhD, MPH, RD (2020 Cohort) were first and senior author (respectively) of the recently published work in Preventive Science– Facilitators and Barriers to Implementation and Sustainability of Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions in Early Childcare Settings: a Systematic Review. Abstract A stronger understanding of the […]

IS-2 2022 Scholar Cohort Announced

The IS-2 program is thrilled to introduce our newest Scholars! The exceptional group of researchers will begin their 2-year mentored training program in D&I Science this summer. See below for a complete list of investigators joining the 2022 cohort. 2022 IS-2 Scholar Cohort SCHOLAR NAME (a-z) INSTITUTION Daniel Amante, PhD, MPH UMass Chan Medical School […]

PUBLICATION: De-implementation of cervical cancer screening before age 21

IS-2 Scholar, Michelle Silver, PhD, ScM, (2021 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in Preventive Medicine – De-implementation of cervical cancer screening before age 21. Abstract In 2012, United States consensus guidelines were modified to recommend that cervical cancer screening not begin before age 21 and, since 2014, the Health Effectiveness Data and Information Set […]

PUBLICATION: Modifiable risk factors for homebound progression among those with and without dementia in a longitudinal survey of community-dwelling older adults

IS-2 Scholar, Mia Yang, MD, (2021 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in BMC Geriatrics– Modifiable risk factors for homebound progression among those with and without dementia in a longitudinal survey of community-dwelling older adults. Abstract Background Being homebound is independently associated with increased mortality but the homebound population is heterogeneous. In order to […]

PUBLICATION: Massachusetts General Hospital Revere Food Pantry: Addressing hunger and health at an academic medical center community clinic

IS-2 Scholar, Lauren Fiechtner, MD, MPH, (2020 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in Healthcare – Massachusetts General Hospital Revere Food Pantry: Addressing hunger and health at an academic medical center community clinic. Abstract Food insecurity is defined by limited access to adequate food. As a result, it is associated with chronic disease for millions […]

PUBLICATION: Scale-up of the Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) intervention in secondary schools: 24-month implementation and cost outcomes from a cluster randomised controlled trial

IS-2 Scholar, Rachel Sutherland, PhD, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity – Scale-up of the Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) intervention in secondary schools: 24-month implementation and cost outcomes from a cluster randomised controlled trial. Abstract Background Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) is an […]

IS-2 at the 14th Annual Conference on the Science of D&I in Health

The 14th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health, co-hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and AcademyHealth, will be hosted December 14-16, 2021. This year’s conference theme – Broadening Horizons for Impact: Incorporating Multisectoral Approaches into D&I Science – highlights the importance of incorporating within studies, attention to the […]

PUBLICATION: Trends in Diet Counseling Among Stroke Versus Non-Stroke Patients: Evidence from the NAMCS, 2011–2016

IS-2 Scholar, Megha Shah, MD, MPH, (2021 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases – Trends in Diet Counseling Among Stroke Versus Non-Stroke Patients: Evidence from the NAMCS, 2011–2016. Abstract Introduction Dietary modifications in post-stroke patients facilitated by diet counseling improves post-stroke recovery and stroke recurrence. The […]

PUBLICATION: Protocol refinement for a diabetes pragmatic trial using the PRECIS-2 framework

IS-2 Scholar, Bethany Kwan, PhD, MSPH, (2020 Cohort) and IS-2 Core Faculty Member, Russ Glasgow, PhD, were senior and primary author of the recently published work in the BMC Health Services Research – Protocol refinement for a diabetes pragmatic trial using the PRECIS-2 framework. Abstract Background This report describes how we refined a protocol for a pragmatic comparative effectiveness […]

PUBLICATION: The mediating/moderating role of cultural context factors on self-care practices among those living with diabetes in rural Appalachia

IS-2 Scholar, Brittany Smalls, PhD, MHSA, (2021 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in BMC Public Health – The mediating/moderating role of cultural context factors on self-care practices among those living with diabetes in rural Appalachia. Abstract Background The aim of this study was to examine whether cultural factors, such as religiosity and social support, […]

PUBLICATION: Comparative effectiveness of clinical and community-based approaches to healthy weight

IS-2 Scholar, Lauren Fiechtner, MD, MPH, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in Pediatrics – Comparative effectiveness of clinical and community-based approaches to healthy weight. Abstract Objectives The objective was to evaluate if 2 pediatric weight management interventions delivered to Hispanic, low-income children (one in a health center the other in a Young […]

PUBLICATION: Design and Approach of the Healthy Weight Clinic Pediatric Weight Management Intervention Package and Implementation: Massachusetts-CORD 3.0

IS-2 Scholar, Lauren Fiechtner, MD, MPH, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in Childhood Obesity – Design and Approach of the Healthy Weight Clinic Pediatric Weight Management Intervention Package and Implementation: Massachusetts-CORD 3.0. Abstract Background Although proven effective interventions for childhood obesity exist, there remains a substantial gap in the adoption of recommended practices […]

GRANT: Kwan Awarded U2C

IS-2 Scholar, Bethany Kwan, PhD, MSPH, (2020 Cohort) was recently awarded a U2C from the National Cancer Institute entitled “OPTimIzing engageMent in discovery of molecular evolution of low grade glioma (OPTIMUM)” with MPIs Elizabeth B. Clause, PhD, MD, (Contact PI) and Roel Verhaak, PhD. Abstract Lower grade (World Health Organization (WHO) grade II/III) glioma (LGG), a […]

PUBLICATION: Perceptions of Using Multiple Mobile Health Devices to Support Self-Management Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

IS-2 Scholar, Allison Lewinski, PhD, MPH, RN, (2021 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship – Perceptions of Using Multiple Mobile Health Devices to Support Self-Management Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Abstract Purpose This study identified facilitators and barriers pertaining to the use of multiple […]

GRANT: Jaja Awarded R21

IS-2 Scholar, Cheedy Jaja, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC, ARNP, (2020 Cohort) was recently awarded an R21 from the National Human Genome Research Institute entitled “Integrating Nurse Champion Model for Group Reproductive Genetic Counseling for Sickle Cell Hemoglobinopathies into Primary Care: A Pilot Implementation Science Study.” Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant contributor to child […]

GRANT: Merchant Awarded R21

IS-2 Scholar, Roland (Clay) Merchant, MD, MPH, ScDis, (2020 Cohort) was recently awarded an R21 from the National Institute of Nursing Research entitled “Development of a model to implement guideline-concordant STI/HIV healthcare and screening for adolescents in the pediatric emergency department.” Abstract Project summary Adolescents (13-17 year-olds) in the United States (US) are at high risk […]

PUBLICATION: A stakeholder engagement method navigator webtool for clinical and translational science

IS-2 Scholar, Bethany Kwan, PhD, MPHS, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science– A stakeholder engagement method navigator webtool for clinical and translational science. Abstract Stakeholder engagement is increasingly expected by funders and valued by researchers in clinical and translational science, yet many researchers lack access […]

PUBLICATION: Hypertension in Guatemala’s Public Primary Care System: A Needs Assessment Using the Health System Building Blocks Framework

IS-2 Scholar, Meredith Fort, PhD, MPH, (2021 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the BMC Health Services Research – Hypertension in Guatemala’s Public Primary Care System: A Needs Assessment Using the Health System Building Blocks Framework. IS-2 Core Faculty Member, Russ Glasgow, PhD, was also a co-author on the publication. Abstract Background Uncontrolled hypertension […]

PUBLICATION: Expressed and unexpressed social needs in low-income adults in the U.S

IS-2 Scholar, Niko Verdecias, DrPH, MPH, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in Health and Social Care in the Community  – Expressed and unexpressed social needs in low-income adults in the U.S. Abstract Many healthcare organisations are now routinely screening patients for social needs such as food and housing. It is largely […]

PUBLICATION: Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy: Insight From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

IS-2 Scholar, Kristen Nwanyanwu, MD, MBA, MHS,  (2021 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in American Journal of Preventive Medicine – Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy: Insight From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Abstract Introduction This study determines the prevalence and associated correlates of people unaware of their diabetic retinopathy diagnosis in the […]

GRANT: Fitzsimmons-Craft Awarded R34

IS-2 Scholar, Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft, PhD, FAED, (2020 Cohort) was recently awarded an R34 from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) entitled “Development and Pilot Testing of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-Guided Self-Help Mobile App for the Post-Acute Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa.” Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a costly and life-threatening illness. Patients with severe AN are often […]

PUBLICATION: Fluctuations in barriers to medication treatment for opioid use disorder prescribing over the course of a one-year external facilitation intervention

IS-2 Scholar, Allison Gustavson, DPT, PhD, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the Addiction Science and Clinical Practice – Fluctuations in barriers to medication treatment for opioid use disorder prescribing over the course of a one-year external facilitation intervention. Abstract Background The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is invested in expanding access to medication […]

PUBLICATION: Implementation science issues in understanding, collecting, and using cost estimates: a multi-stakeholder perspective

IS-2 Scholar, Laura Panattoni, PhD, (2020 Cohort) and IS-2 Core Faculty Member, Russ Glasgow, PhD, were co-author and senior author of the recently published work in Implementation Science – Implementation science issues in understanding, collecting, and using cost estimates: a multi-stakeholder perspective. Abstract Understanding the resources needed to achieve desired implementation and effectiveness outcomes is essential to implementing […]

PUBLICATION: Healthcare workers’ perspectives on coronavirus testing availability: a cross sectional survey

IS-2 Scholar, Elena Byhoff, MD, MSc, (2021 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the BMC Health Services Research – Healthcare workers’ perspectives on coronavirus testing availability: a cross sectional survey. Abstract Background Studies on the impact of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID) for healthcare workers (HCWs) rarely include the full spectrum of hospital workers, […]

PUBLICATION: Health Literacy Interventions in Cancer: a Systematic Review

IS-2 Scholar, Ashley Housten, OTD, MSCI, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the Journal of Cancer Education – Health Literacy Interventions in Cancer: a Systematic Review. Abstract Approximately one-third of adults in the United States (U.S.) have limited health literacy. Those with limited health literacy often have difficultly navigating the health care environment, […]

PUBLICATION: Telehealth was beneficial during COVID-19 for older Americans: A qualitative study with physicians

IS-2 Scholar, Roland C. Merchant, MD, MPH, ScDis, (2020 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society – Telehealth was beneficial during COVID-19 for older Americans: A qualitative study with physicians. Abstract Background Individuals aged 65 and older face unique barriers to adoption of telehealth, and the coronavirus disease 2019 […]

GRANT: Jaja Awarded R21

IS-2 Scholar, Cheedy Jaja, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC, ARNP, (2020 Cohort) was recently awarded an R21 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) entitled “The Nurse Champion Model for Sickle Cell Disease Early Diagnosis and Care Access.” Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality. […]

PUBLICATION: Implementation science should give higher priority to health equity

IS-2 Core Faculty, Drs. Ross Brownson (Co-Director), Shiriki Kumanyika, and Debra Haire-Joshu (Co-Director) recently published a thought piece in Implementation Science – Implementation science should give higher priority to health equity. Abstract Background: There is growing urgency to tackle issues of equity and justice in the USA and worldwide. Health equity, a framing that moves […]

PUBLICATION: A systematic review of healthy eating and physical activity interventions in faith-based settings using the RE-AIM framework

IS-2 Scholar, Caroline Dunn, PhD, RD, (2020 Cohort) was first author of the recently published work in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine – Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Interventions in Faith-Based Settings: A Systematic Review Using the Reach, Effectiveness/Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance Framework Abstract Context: Faith-based health interventions may improve obesity-related health behaviors, including […]

PUBLICATION: Assessing the scale and spread of a skills-based, experiential teaching kitchen in a large urban setting

IS-2 Scholar, Bill Heerman, MD, MPH, (2020 cohort) was first author of the recently published work in Public Health Nutrition — Assessing the scale and spread of an experiential teaching kitchen in after-school programming among school-age children. Abstract Objective: To scale-out an experiential teaching kitchen in Parks and Recreation centers’ after-school programming in a large urban […]

PUBLICATION: Acceptability and appropriateness of a novel parent-staff co-leadership model for childhood obesity prevention in Head Start: a qualitative interview study

IS-2 Scholar, Kirsten Davison, PhD, MS, (2020 Cohort) was senior author of the recently published work in the BMC Public Health – Acceptability and appropriateness of a novel parent-staff co-leadership model for childhood obesity prevention in Head Start: a qualitative interview study. Abstract Background Peer leadership can be an effective strategy for implementing health programs, benefiting both program […]