Implementation Science In Research With Late-Talking Toddlers: A Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate how incorporating an implementation science factor into the early stages of treatment research can benefit the long-term clinical execution of treatment. This paper references current literature on how implementation science can be used to benefit research in the field of communication disorders. We analyzed the parent interviews of toddlers who completed a word-learning study (VAULT). A reviewer coded all interviews and documented observable repeating themes in responses among parents. Themes were then analyzed in order to determine what aspects of treatment are preferred and those that might benefit from alteration when taking treatment to a parent-based execution. By incorporating an implementation science factor into this stage of treatment research, we can more efficiently determine how to design the treatment for the future stages.