Dissemination and implementation science for infection prevention: A primer.

Dissemination and implementation science (D&I) is a rapidly growing area of investigation. Although many evidence-based guidelines for infection prevention are available, not all are systematically implemented into clinical practice. This evidence-to-practice gap has been linked to poor health outcomes. D&I science bridges the gap between research and everyday practice by providing a knowledge base about how health information, interventions, and new clinical practices and policies are translated for use in specific settings. D&I science can expedite and sustain the successful integration of evidence into practice to improve care delivery, population health, and health outcomes. This article offers an introductory overview of D&I and addresses issues such as variation in terminology, finding and appraising evidence, theories and models, implementation strategies, and the future of D&I. Examples from the infection prevention literature are presented throughout.