Addictions treatment mechanisms of change science and implementation science: A critical review

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2023 Mar 13. doi: 10.1111/acer.15053. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThis manuscript aims to contribute to the next phase of mechanisms of behavior change (MOBC) science on alcohol or other drug use (AOD). Specifically, we encourage transition from a basic science orientation (i.e., knowledge generation) to a translational science orientation (i.e., knowledge application or Translational MOBC Science). To inform that transition, we examine MOBC science and implementation science and consider how these two research areas can intersect to capitalize on the goals, strengths, and key methodologies of each. First, we define MOBC science and implementation science and offer a brief historical rationale for these two areas of clinical research. Second, we summarize similarities in rationale and discuss two scenarios where one draws from the other - MOBC science on implementation strategy outcomes and implementation science on MOBC. We then focus on the latter scenario, and briefly review the MOBC knowledge base to consider its readiness for knowledge translation. Finally, we provide a series of research recommendations to facilitate the translation of MOBC science. Research recommendations include: 1) identifying and targeting MOBC that are well positioned for implementation, 2) use of MOBC research results to inform broader health behavior change theory, and 3) triangulation of a more diverse set of research methodologies to build a translational MOBC knowledge...
Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research