Greetings from the Representative Coordinator

The practice of Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) science dates back to 1992, when Professor Glasgow, one of the original developers of D&I science, published a research paper on the implementation of smoking cessation programs in the workplace. Subsequent work stemming from this research across a period of more than ten years eventually led to the development of RE-AIM, an objective framework for evaluating the program’s implementation. In 2005, the U.S. NIH put out a call for research proposals in implementation science, and the scientific journal “Implementation Science” was first established in 2006. In 2007, the Annual Conference on the Science of D&I was first held in Bethesda. More than a decade later, the Research Association for Dissemination and Implementation Science in Health (RADISH) was launched in Japan, and the First Conference of Dissemination and Implementation Science was held (in Tokyo) on November 18, 2018.

Western research in D&I science is making marked progress in the areas of cancer and diabetes, and mental, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The U.S. National Cancer Institute now regards D&I research as a key issue in its Cancer Moonshot initiative, encouraging active application of D&I research to accelerate the up-scaling of precision medicine (e.g. personalized treatment based on gene panel testing or the prevention and treatment of hereditary disorders such as Lynch syndrome). D&I science for precision care is also applicable to measures against the adverse effects of cancer therapy, and palliative and mental care. Such innovativeness of D&I science owes a great deal to rapid technological development, including the improved accessibility of smartphones and other communication devices, and digitization and use of big data.

Another notable characteristic of D&I research is de-implementation, which refers to the identification and removal of the practice of unnecessary medicine or harmful testing and replacing these with more effective/efficient care. De-implementation is an important part of D&I science.

Finally, the association’s abbreviated name, RADISH, comes from the Latin word “radix,” meaning “root.” The name reflects the desire of the founders and related parties for fully evidence-based practice. Through collaboration, RADISH will improve health, medicine and welfare, promote research, develop human resources and facilitate the exchange of information to contribute to the health and wellness of all people and a prosperous society.

March 2019

Research Association for Dissemination and Implementation Science in Health (RADISH)

Yosuke Uchitomi, Representative Coordinator