Advancing Equitable Implementation in Evidence Informed Innovations

Implementation science seeks to integrate research and practice in ways that will improve outcomes for people and communities. However, implementation theories, models, and frameworks have not explicitly focused on how implementation can and should advance equity. A set of recommendations has emerged from implementation practice that provide a starting point for changing and improving the methods and strategies used in implementation to ensure that equity is at the center of the work (Metz, Loper, & Woo, 2021). These recommendations include: 1) building trusting relationships, 2) dismantling power structures, 3) developing community-defined evidence, 4) investing and making decisions to advance equity, 5) making adaptations and cultural adaptations, and 6) considering critical perspectives in the field of implementation science.

As raised by Baumann and Long (2021), implementation scientists must engage in critical reflection on the gaps between the intentions and the impact of their work. The purpose of this public lecture is to spark reflection among funders, researchers, and practitioners involved in supporting implementation efforts with the hope of shifting learning towards community members who have the greatest stake in successful and equitable outcomes.

Biography Professor Allison Metz

Professor Metz is a distinguished researcher and practitioner in the field of implementation science, with specific content expertise in child welfare, children’s mental health, maternal and child health, juvenile justice and probation, and early care and education.  Professor Metz trained as a psychologist and began her career as a clinician and evaluator. She moved into an academic role in 2008 serving as associate director and, later, director of the prestigious National Implementation Research Network – a leading implementation science center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.  Professor Metz served in faculty roles at the School of Global Public Health and School of Social Work while directing the research center and moved to a full professor role at the School of Social Work in July 2021, where she also serves as director of implementation practice for the school. She is the founding director of the Collaborative for Implementation Research Practice and is a leading researcher and advisor on the competencies for building a workforce that can support large scale change and evidence use in public systems and communities.

Professor Metz’s research focuses on the emerging gap between implementation research and implementation practice by generating actionable knowledge on the practice components of implementation science – specifically, the relational work of implementation and evidence use.  Professor Metz’s research program includes studies on the competencies for professionals who support implementation, the evolving role of implementation researchers and practitioners, and trust building to support evidence use in public systems.