NCJ Number
198602
Journal
Substance Abuse and Misuse Volume: 37 Issue: 8-10 Dated: June - August 2002 Pages: 1079-1087
Date Published
June 2002
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the adaptation of evidence-based drug abuse prevention and treatment programs to fit within community needs and specifications.
Abstract
This article integrates various research issues and questions, both those that have been already brought into the technology transfer discussions and others that have not but need to be reviewed for their research guidance value. The different ways that each of these can be implemented are discussed. Key research literature on the transfer of technology of proven drug-user prevention and treatment interventions, as it relates to bringing these strategies into practical use in scale with community-identified needs by bridging the gap between research and practice, are reviewed. For example, one important school issue that poses a systemic threat to successful implementation is the difference in priorities between the researchers, policymakers, and practitioners (teachers, managers, and clinicians). Diagrams are provided showing the sectors of society with an interest in drug abuse treatment and prevention; the process of technology transfer; and how the technology transfer process can be shaped by dissemination, diffusion, and replication or adaptation methods. It is noted that there is no structure in a place to support such process, making technology transfer sporadic and incomplete. New avenues for strategic research planning for the future are suggested such as the application of theories from many diverse disciplines, one example being the use of marketing and communications theory in the dissemination area. An established infrastructure for technology transfer and communications based on research outcomes is needed to ensure the success of national prevention and treatment service systems. References