Dissemination and Implementation in Social Service Settings

Abstract Social service systems are uniquely positioned to implement health prevention and intervention protocols given their mission to support vulnerable populations in the communities where they live. However, social service organizations deliver complex services, with scarce resources, under significant external pressure from communities, funders, and regulatory bodies. This requires careful consideration in designing dissemination and implementation (D&I) strategies. While several well-developed, blended implementation strategies are being used in social services, they all require additional documentation, research, and refinement. Nonetheless, the lessons learned in the social services may help organizations in other systems better implement health interventions with consumers with complex service needs.