Clinical applications: the transition from research to practice.

Abstract

As validated and improved alcoholism treatment methods emerge from Project MATCH and other studies, a dedicated and systematic effort will be needed to incorporate them into ongoing programs, to monitor their success in real world settings and to make adjustments and refinements as needed. Accomplishing this involves responsibilities for both researchers and practitioners. A complex continuum of activities designed to move interventions from research to practice is common to all therapeutic areas, with a fundamental component being researcher-provider interactions. Challenges include "debunking" myths; realistic evaluations of the feasibility of making changes in the treatment system; effective communication between providers and researchers; and proactive guidance from leaders who set standards of practice. Findings from relevant studies in alcoholism research can be assimilated into the treatment system with as little delay as possible as linkages between researchers and providers are strengthened. These linkages will be further strengthened by research in organizational, management and delivery mechanisms conducted by emerging applied research areas such as health services.