Perspectives of researchers with lived experience in implementation science research: Opportunities to close the research-to-practice gap in substance use systems of care

Camille C Cioffi; Patrick F Hibbard; Angela Hagaman; Martha Tillson; Noel Vest

doi:10.1177/26334895231180635

Perspectives of researchers with lived experience in implementation science research: Opportunities to close the research-to-practice gap in substance use systems of care

Implement Res Pract. 2023 Jun 26:4:26334895231180635. doi: 10.1177/26334895231180635. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Camille C Cioffi¹, Patrick F Hibbard², Angela Hagaman³, Martha Tillson⁴, Noel Vest⁵

Affiliations

¹ University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
² Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, OR, USA.
³ East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
⁴ University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
⁵ Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.

Abstract

Background: The field of implementation science acknowledges the importance of diversity within research teams including members from diverse disciplines and with lived expertise in practical implementation (e.g., administrators, front-line workers, patients/clients). Gaps remain in the successful implementation of proven substance use treatment interventions.

Methods: This paper will outline the rationale for the purposeful inclusion of researchers with lived experience (RLE) related to substance use disorder (SUD) within implementation science research studies focused on improving SUD services.

Results: We posit that researchers with such experience can help address research-to-practice gaps by (1) building strong community partnerships, (2) engaging in conversations around effective interventions through knowledge translation, (3) providing community-congruent approaches to evaluation, and (4) aiding in dissemination and sustainability efforts.

Conclusions: We end by offering recommendations for researchers without lived experience as they intentionally collaborate with RLE.

Keywords: community-based research; implementation outcomes; implementation process; researchers with lived experience; substance use disorders.

Plain language summary

Implementation science usually involves and prioritizes community collaboration; however, there are often barriers to community collaboration because the community may not trust researcher intentions or there might be challenges to identifying shared language. Researchers who have lived experience with substance use disorders might be able to make community collaborations between researchers and community members easier through shared knowledge of both research and lived experience. The involvement of researchers with lived experience may also help community-based organizations find the best ways to use evidence-based practices. We describe ways that the intentional involvement of researchers with lived experience may improve implementation outcomes and ultimately improve the services received and experiences of community members.

Grants and funding

R24 DA051950/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States