How Context Matters: A Dissemination and Implementation Primer for Global Oncologists

Abstract

The need for a journal of global oncology reflects a growing realization by the oncology community that although evidence behind cancer control strategies may not differ around the globe, the context in which this evidence is applied varies according to available resources, societal values and priorities, policies, and health care systems. 1,2 Context has profound influence on whether and how evidence is disseminated, adopted, tailored, and used in clinical practice. Context varies across countries, cultures, and geographic regions and reflects the great diversity of people affected by cancer. Recognition of and work within these di-verse contexts may seem daunting, but the ability to identify and address the context within which we as clinicians and researchers practice is increas-ingly recognized as critical to making a lasting impact. The emerging field that explores how to apply evidence in different contexts often is called dissemination and implementation (D&I) science. 3 Synonyms include knowledge transla-tion, translational research, and implementation science.