Illustrating the Process of Implementation Research Across Rehabilitation Settings 1954

Thursday, October 30, 2025

8:15 AM - 9:15 AM

Location: ROOM: Williford C >>> DIRECTIONS: Third Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, proceed left. Williford C is the third room on your right.

Corresponding Presenter(s)

Adam R. Kinney, PhD

Assistant Professor
University of Colorado Denver, VA Rocky Mountain MIRECC
Richmond, Vermont, United States

Slides Slides

Presenter(s)

Jessica Edelstein, PhD, OTR/L

Research Scientist I, Research Assistant Professor
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern University
Glenview, IL, United States
Jessica A. Schmidt, OTD OTR/L (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Concordia University Wisconsin
Franklin, WI, United States
Miriam Rafferty, DPT, PhD

Director of Implementation Science
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, United States

In recent decades, significant scientific investment has led to evidence-based assessments and treatments for disabling conditions. Despite this, clinical innovations often take up to 15 years to reach routine rehabilitative care. Implementation Science—studying methods to incorporate research findings into practice—is crucial for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of health services in rehabilitation. This symposium will highlight the importance of implementation research and present empirical examples across the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment phases of the implementation process.

Learning Objectives:

Define Implementation Science and articulate its role in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services.
Explain the EPIS framework (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment) and its application in implementation research.
Analyze empirical examples from each EPIS phase to identify common barriers and facilitators in adopting evidence-based practices across rehabilitation settings.