Implementation factors and processes in prevention research: Strategies, problems, findings, prospects

Implementing evidence-based programs in routine practice has become a central issue in prevention research in the last decades. This development was triggered by the more general complaints about problems of transferring scientific findings into routine practice and systematic attempts to resolve these problems. This article reviews the results of past implementation research in prevention science. It sketches the major implementation issues and outlines some specific problems in the implementation of prevention measures. The most important empirically validated implementation factors will be discussed in relation to individual, institutional, and policy level implementation processes in order to determine strategies to improve implementation quality and the effectiveness of prevention programs in routine practice. The article closes by discussing implications for further research and practice in implementation science. Key words: prevention, implementation research, translational research, evidence-based programs, review.