Practical Guide to Implementation Science for Surgical Oncologists: Case Study of Breast Cancer Short Stay Program.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Long lags exist in adoption and uptake of evidence-based interventions into real-world clinical practice based on oncology clinical trial results. Implementation science (IS) is a distinct field of health services research that aims to understand the barriers related to adoption of evidence-based guidelines and research in clinical practice. METHODS: Use of IS study design, methods, and outcomes can be elusive to surgical oncologists despite the tremendous need for the application of IS to bridge the evidence-to-practice gap. This report describes key components of high-quality IS. RESULTS: Herein, we illustrate how IS can be used in surgical oncology practice. Examples from implementation of the breast cancer Short Stay Program (SSP) in Netherlands is used to illustrate IS methods. Specific funding and training opportunities in implementation science are described in detail. CONCLUSION: Use of IS in surgical oncology can help improve the uptake of evidence based medicine.