Our Approach

Rooted in evidence-based programs.

Our approach to science and practice has its roots in developing, replicating, scaling, and sustaining one of the first evidence-based programs, the Teaching-Family Model (1967-present). The evidence and learning from the virtuous cycles of research-to-practice and practice-to-research related to the Teaching-Family Model is well documented. The learning from these experiences established evidence for strong variables that formed the foundations for what are now known as the Active Implementation Frameworks™.

Active Implementation is an integrated approach to implementation practice, science, and policy. Current information about Active Implementation is provided throughout this website. It is important to note that 10 years ago, Active Implementation did not exist in this format, and it is expected that similar advancements will be made in the next 10 years.

The Active Implementation Frameworks™ serve as the foundation of our work.

The Active Implementation Frameworks (AIF) provide guidance for implementation practice, and improved implementation practice creates a laboratory for studying implementation done well. This virtuous cycle uses the best available evidence to improve implementation practices so that the use of those practices can be studied to advance knowledge to reveal the next set of implementation research and evaluation questions.

In this way, high fidelity use of what is known creates research opportunities to test predictions and theory to further develop the field.

The AIF continue to be used and evaluated in practice, and the data from those experiences continue to guide the development of the next generation of improved frameworks.

Active Implementation Research Network
What made the experience particularly valuable was AIRN’s structured yet flexible approach, which gave us the space to apply what we were learning to real, active projects—not in the abstract, but in real time.

– Tegan Henke, DrPHc, CEO & Principal Consultant (Convergent Mental Health Group)

The Active Implementation Frameworks make implementation easier to understand and manage.

– Becci Akin, Professor in the School of Social Welfare, at the University of Kansas

Implementation Practice and Science
Implementation Practice & Science

The science-to-service gap has produced a quality chasm that prevents countries around the world from realizing their goals for improved health, education, and social services.

Authors Dean Fixsen, Karen Blase, and Melissa Van Dyke summarize and synthesize advancements in implementation practice and science over the past 50 years.

An English version is available for purchase globally in paperback or eBook format through Amazon. A Spanish version is available, please contact us for more information.