Implementation Science in Social Work

Our DSW program focuses on using implementation science to advance social work practice. 

What is implementation science?

Implementation science focuses on the thoughtful and strategic process of implementing an intervention. The emphasis is on evaluating both the intervention itself and the implementation of intervention. This includes assessing the strategies used to increase the uptake and use of the intervention.  

Why is implementation science important in social work?

This is an exciting time to think about using implementation science in social work practice! There are a multitude of interventions that are effective in detecting, preventing, and treating conditions that affect the health and well-being of those served by social workers. However, we also have gaps between what we know from science works and what social workers actually do in practice. These gaps have contributed to racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and other disparities in health and health-related outcomes.  By using implementation science we can help reduce racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care in the United States and improve the lives of those we serve. 

What are some examples of how implementation science is used in practice?

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about implementation science?