Editorial

Welcome to Implementation Science

Martin P Eccles¹ and Brian S Mittman^2,3

¹  Centre for Health Services Research, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

²  VA Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Sepulveda, California, USA

³  Department of Health Services, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA

author email corresponding author email

Implementation Science 2006, 1:1doi:10.1186/1748-5908-1-1

Published:	22 February 2006

Abstract

Implementation research is the scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice, and, hence, to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services and care. This relatively new field includes the study of influences on healthcare professional and organisational behaviour.

Implementation Science will encompass all aspects of research in this field, in clinical, community and policy contexts. This online journal will provide a unique platform for this type of research and will publish a broad range of articles – study protocols, debate, theoretical and conceptual articles, rigorous evaluations of the process of change, and articles on methodology and rigorously developed tools – that will enhance the development and refinement of implementation research. No one discipline, research design, or paradigm will be favoured.

Implementation Science looks forward to receiving manuscripts that facilitate the continued development of the field, and contribute to healthcare policy and practice.