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The 10-year anniversary of the dissemination and implementation models in health interactive webtool: History, refinement, use, and guidance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 August 2025

Borsika A. Rabin*
Affiliation:
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Bryan Ford
Affiliation:
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
Rachel G. Tabak
Affiliation:
Prevention Research Center, School of Public Health, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
Rebekah Gomes
Affiliation:
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
Kera N. Swanson
Affiliation:
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
Sara Malone
Affiliation:
Health Design and Impact Lab, School of Public Health, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
Maggie Padek Kalman
Affiliation:
Frontiers Clinical and Translation Science Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS, USA
Ross C. Brownson
Affiliation:
Prevention Research Center, School of Public Health, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
Russell E. Glasgow
Affiliation:
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
*
Corresponding author: B.A. Rabin; Email: barabin@health.ucsd.edu
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Abstract

Theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs) are essential tools in dissemination and implementation (D&I) research, yet selecting and applying the most appropriate TMF is routinely a challenge, particularly for those new to the field. To address this need, we developed the Dissemination and Implementation Models in Health webtool (www.dissemination-implementation.org) a free, interactive, and evolving online resource designed to support the thoughtful use of D&I TMFs across all phases of research and practice – from planning through assessment. Created through a multi-institutional collaboration and refined using human-centered design, the webtool includes features such as logic model development, D&I TMF selection and comparison, guidance on combining and adapting models, strategies for application, and linkages to measurement tools. Since its initial release in 2014, the webtool has expanded to include over 110 D&I TMFs and new thematic content areas, including a section dedicated to health equity. It can be used in D&I trainings, proposal development, consultations, and academic coursework. Usage analytics and community feedback reflect ongoing relevance, utility, and evolving needs. The webtool continues to address a significant gap in D&I infrastructure by guiding users in selecting and operationalizing D&I TMFs, ultimately supporting more rigorous, context-sensitive translational research and practice.

Information

Type
Special Communication
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Association for Clinical and Translational Science
Figure 0

Figure 1. Timeline of Key Milestones in the Development of the Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Models in Health Webtool. D&I = dissemination and implementation; TMF = Theories, Models, and Frameworks.

Figure 1

Figure 2. The main sections of the Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Models in Health webtool. D&I = dissemination and implementation.

Figure 2

Figure 3. Explore Dissemination and Implementation (D&) Models subsection of the D&I Models in Health webtool. D = Dissemination; I = Implementation.

Figure 3

Table 1. 2020–2024 usage statistics – total webtool visits and top 10 most viewed pages on the Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Models Webtool