Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (US)

Given the focus of this funding opportunity on creating readiness for future, high-quality, D&I focused research, investigators are required to integrate a D&I process model (Nilsen, 2015) as a core component of their application. D&I process models outline activities that need to be accomplished at different points in the research process to set the foundation for subsequent activities, moving efficiently through the various stages of translational research. Many process models include a description of activities that should be accomplished prior to D&I research (e.g., Getting-to-Outcomes, Active Implementation, Quality Implementation Framework, EPIS-Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment, EquIR-Equity-Focused Implementation Research, Intervention Mapping, Knowledge-to-Action). No specific model is required for this funding opportunity. Investigators should select a D&I process model that is appropriate for their current and future translational research goals. Applicants are highly encouraged to consult with a D&I expert in identifying and applying an appropriate D&I process model.

Objectives

• In addition to a D&I process model, other aspects of D&I research should be incorporated into the application, when appropriate to the aims. Examples of core D&I research elements include but are not limited to:
  • D&I theories, models and frameworks (e.g., theories or frameworks that guide understanding of the multi-level contextual factors that influence dissemination and implementation)
  • D&I strategies (i.e., methods or techniques used to enhance the dissemination, adoption, implementation, and sustainability of a clinical program or practice)
  • D&I outcomes and outcome measures (e.g., acceptability, appropriateness, cost, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, reach/penetration, maintenance/sustainment/sustainability) as well as health service outcomes and outcome measures (e.g., quality, equity)
  • Community engaged research approaches (i.e., research approaches that involve community partners to assist in guiding the research project, such as community advisory boards, co-design approaches, and community-based participatory research), including effective methods of involving individuals with communication disorders
  • Qualitative and mixed methods, including methods appropriate for data from individuals with communication disorders
  • Theories and methods to understand and reduce or eliminate health disparities, improving equity in care and outcomes
• A D&I process model and other core D&I research elements should guide the research goals of the application. Examples of relevant early-stage D&I research goals, identified in multiple D&I process models, include, but are not limited to studies that aim to use:
  • A community-engaged research approach along with qualitative methods to understand the health needs of individuals and/or service-delivery needs of organizations and identify potential EBIs to address those needs
  • A determinants framework and a mixed-methods approach to identify potential individual- and systems-level barriers and facilitators to implementing an EBI in one or more real world contexts
  • A community-engaged research approach along with qualitative methods to co-develop and evaluate preliminary D&I strategies intended to support integration of an EBI into practice
  • The core functions and forms framework along with qualitative methods to differentiate underlying active ingredients in an EBI and then use a community-engaged research approach to develop and evaluate a community-adapted version of the EBI
  • A mixed-methods approach to identify which D&I outcomes and health service delivery outcomes are meaningful to partners and use a community-engaged research approach to co-develop and execute a measurement plan to establish baseline performance
  • A community-engaged research approach along with mixed methods to identify and quantify health inequities and identify or develop equity-sensitive EBIs to address disparities
  • A determinants framework and a mixed-methods approach to identify potential individual- and systems-level barriers and facilitators to equitable implementation of an EBI in one or more real world contexts

Funding Information

• The combined budget for direct costs for the two-year project period may not exceed $275,000. No more than $200,000 direct costs may be requested in any single year
• The total project period may not exceed 2 years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Organizations
  • Higher Education Institutions
    • Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
    • Private Institutions of Higher Education
      • The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
        • Hispanic-serving Institutions
        • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
        • Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
        • Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
        • Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)
  • Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
    • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
    • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
  • For-Profit Organizations
    • Small Businesses
    • For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)
  • Local Governments
    • State Governments
    • County Governments
    • City or Township Governments
    • Special District Governments
    • Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
    • Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized)
  • Federal Governments
    • Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
    • U.S. Territory or Possession
  • Other
    • Independent School Districts
    • Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
    • Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
    • Faith-based or Community-based Organizations
    • Regional Organizations
    • Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations)
• Foreign Organizations
  • Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.
  • Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.
• Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator)
  • Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with their organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.