Dissemination and implementation science: Research for the real-world medical family therapist

Abstract

For many, the inspiration to work in Medical Family Therapy (MedFT) is based upon a desire to serve patients and families in settings where they are most likely to seek help, such as primary care clinics, specialty healthcare practices, or hospitals. Using the models and methods of Dissemination and Implementation Science (D&I Science), MedFTs, whose primary focus is clinical care or clinical research, have the opportunity to directly improve the quality of patient care while advancing science. In fact, it is the MedFT's contact with patients and the systems in which they seek help that makes this kind of research possible. This chapter describes an emerging scientific discipline closely aligned with the discipline of clinical care and how MedFTs are well positioned to make an important impact.