Research Group Implementation Research and Mental Health
The research group “Implementation research and mental health” is concerned with the scientific study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake of evidence-based interventions and research into regular use by practitioners and policy makers. We have a particular focus on mental health but support and work with researchers on other non-communicable disease projects across BIPS and beyond.
Our aim is to close the implementation gap by addressing barriers that impede the uptake of evidence-based practices into routine health care, thereby improving the quality and effectiveness of health services. We also work outside health services, focusing specifically on the implementation of interventions for prevention in a variety of community-based settings.
We understand implementation as occurring on a continuum that is aligned with different methods depending on the research question. For example, we study implementation as a contributing factor during the early delivery of interventions (proof of implementation) and make use of effectiveness-implementation hybrid trials or observational studies in this regard. Unlike clinical research the field of implementation science employs a broader approach allowing us to investigate implementation challenges at the individual, provider, organization and policy level. We also test different implementation strategies and evaluate their impact on the outcomes of interest. Another focus of our research is implementation as primary outcome. Here we make use of different implementation frameworks or theories depending on our investigation aim. We also have expertise in the investigation of scaling-up activities and further dissemination of evidence-based practices at the local or national level. Mixed-methods and participatory research are used for the latter.
Daniela Fuhr
Head of Research Group
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Daniela Fuhr
Tel +49 (0)421 21856 900 (secr.) / 21856 754 (dir.)
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-56941
Email:
fuhr(at)leibniz-bips.de