Implementation Science to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic
In this perspective piece, the authors articulate ways in which implementation science can inform, and be informed by, the COVID-19 pandemic.The COVID-19 pandemic response has illuminated gaps in emergency preparedness planning that could be addressed by implementation scientists working in coordination with public health practitioners. Classical implementation science tools and measures can be operationalized within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and at each stage of the pandemic. Doing so empowers implementation scientists to apply their skillsets toward optimizing uptake of evidence-based interventions such as social distancing, hand washing, and personal protective equipment. To be more responsive to public health emergencies, IS as a discipline must evolve to be more rapid, nimble, and policy-oriented in its approaches.
