# Implementation and Translation Research Project Core

> **NIH NIH U2C** · GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $200,648

## Abstract

The Implementation and Translational Research (I/Trans) Core of the Mason Coordination and
Translation Center (MCTC) will study the effectiveness of Dissemination and Implementation (D/I) strategies to
facilitate use and uptake of JCOIN scientific findings into widespread practice in criminal justice (CJ) and health
settings. The CJ system, just as clinical settings, experiences a large gap between the development of research
evidence and actual adoption into practice. With few rigorous, prospective studies examining mechanisms of
implementation strategies in CJ settings, the time is now to examine mechanisms of D/I strategies to advance
the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of behavioral health evidence-informed practice, treatments,
and policy in CJ health. The I/Trans Core, led by Drs. Faye Taxman (George Mason University [Mason]) and
Todd Molfenter (University of Wisconsin-Madison, NIATx), with health communications scholar Dr. Xiaoquan
Zhao (Mason) will be theoretically grounded in the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustain (EPIS) and
CJ Evidence-based Interagency Implementation Model (CJ-IIM), using Re-AIM and the HIV Cascade to measure
impact. The goal is to test implementation mechanisms of action to better understand effective D/I strategies that
affect the effectiveness of JCOIN scientific messages, and adoption and effective use of evidence-based
treatments and practices. One large RCT trial is planned for Aim One to determine the optimal approach to low
cost interventions of coaching and Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model in 44 settings
that work with CJ-OUD clients. Aim Two is devoted to advancing the materials used to communicate JCOIN
findings by systematically assessing what sources, channels, and messages used by the Dissemination and
Engagement Stakeholder (D/SE) Core in routine trainings, workshops, presentations, webinars, and other events
are effective. This will entail exploring issues related to message appeal, credible sources, appropriate
communication channels, and audience-specific framing production modalities. A longitudinal feedback
questionnaire of participants at D/SE events will be used to assess how the material was received, knowledge
gained, and likely action using the Perceived Argument Strength Scale and Behavioral Intention Scales. Aim
Three will conduct up to three low-cost trials each year, with Steering Committee and NIDA approval, to test key
D/I strategies and actionable messages that stakeholders use to make practice changes. Examples of possible
D/I strategies include message effectiveness for different audiences, tools to build champions, mediums to build
constituent confidence in scientific evidence, tools to assess and use implementation drivers, and techniques to
better use academic-practitioner partnerships. JCOIN provides opportunities for researching content and
mediums for diffusion of scientific findings. I/Trans will use these studies to advance a cor...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9955237
- **Project number:** 5U2CDA050097-02
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Faye S Taxman
- **Activity code:** U2C (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $200,648
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9955237

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9955237, Implementation and Translation Research Project Core (5U2CDA050097-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9955237. Licensed CC0.

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