Dissemination and implementation—A primer for accelerating “time to translation” in radiation oncology Review
| Authors: | Santos, P. M. G.; Silverwood, S.; Suneja, G.; Ford, E. C.; Thaker, N. G.; Ostroff, J. S.; Weiner, B. J.; Gillespie, E. F. |
| Review Title: | Dissemination and implementation—A primer for accelerating “time to translation” in radiation oncology |
| Abstract: | The field of radiation oncology has achieved significant technological and scientific advancements in the 21st century. Yet uptake of new evidence-based practices has been heterogeneous, even in the presence of national and international guidelines. Addressing barriers to practice change requires a deliberate focus on developing and testing strategies tailored to improving care delivery and quality, especially for vulnerable patient populations. Implementation science provides a systematic approach to developing and testing strategies, though applications in radiation oncology remain limited. In this critical review, we aim to (1) assess the time from first evidence to widespread adoption, or “time to translation,” across multiple evidence-based practices involving radiation therapy, and (2) provide a primer on the application of implementation science to radiation oncology. Specifically, we discuss potential targets for implementation research in radiation oncology, including both evidence-based practices and quality metrics, and highlight examples of studies evaluating implementation strategies. We also define key concepts and frameworks in the field of implementation science, review common study designs, including hybrid trials and cluster randomization, and discuss the interaction with related disciplines such as quality improvement and behavioral economics. Ultimately, this review aims to illustrate how a comprehensive understanding of implementation science could be used to promote equity and quality in cancer care through the development of effective, scalable, and sustainable care delivery solutions. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. |
| Keywords: | review; intensity modulated radiation therapy; cancer staging; breast cancer; evidence based practice; prostate cancer; health service; head and neck cancer; radiation oncology; total quality management; early cancer; randomization; translational research; study design; patient population; breast-conserving surgery; quasi experimental study; hypofractionated radiotherapy; human; testing strategies; potential targets; behavioral economics; implementation science; critical review; practice gap; person centered care; developing strategy; evidence-based practices; implementation researches; quality metrices; vulnerable patients |
| Journal Title: | International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics |
| Volume: | 121 |
| Issue: | 5 |
| ISSN: | 0360-3016 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 2025-04-01 |
| Start Page: | 1102 |
| End Page: | 1114 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.11.101 |
| PUBMED: | 39653279 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PDF -- Source: Scopus |
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
Related MSK Work