Transforming health equity rhetoric to rigor: Development and validation of a novel measure assessing health equity in implementation of health interventions

C-DIAS OVERALL: PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This is a revised proposal for a NIDA P50 Center of Excellence: The Center for Dissemination and Implementation At Stanford (C-DIAS). Our overarching goal is simple to say, yet paradigm shifting if achieved: Equitable access to evidence-based addiction treatments. C-DIAS unites established addiction

dissemination and implementation (D&I) research experts with complementary areas of strength. C-DIAS Research Core members bring the best of current approaches to D&I science in measures, methods, design and modeling, as well as in health economics and policy translation. Three coordinated Research Projects

serve as study vehicles to improve D&I science in addiction by reducing variation and increasing standardization in measures and methods, translating and harmonizing data across studies, and using agent- based and economic modeling to scientifically respond rather than merely react to substance-related

epidemics and health care disparities. In addition to serving as the C-DIAS organizational hub, the Administrative Core will provide a platform to build expert capacity in D&I research in addiction, offering a stratified range of Training Education and Consultation Services, with open access to online resources and tools for the broadest possible audiences.

C-DIAS will advance D&I science by greater precision and rigor in evaluating implementation strategies— which are the “interventions” of an endeavor to install or scale up evidence-based treatments. Proven pharmacological or psychosocial addiction treatments are the “what” of any implementation effort,

whereas implementation strategies pertain to “how” these interventions are most effectively translated and brought to scale. Policymakers and systems leaders seek empirically-based tools to make informed decisions about not only what to implement, but how to do so effectively and at what cost. C-DIAS is based at Stanford but designed to serve as an open, vibrant and highly visible national

center without walls. It will leverage established relationships and generate new connections among independent multi-disciplinary teams of individuals across geographically dispersed and diverse entities. C-DIAS will develop human capital, foster synergy, and accelerate professional, scientific and public health

impact with outcomes otherwise unachievable in its absence. We propose a sorely needed and radical approach, with one critically significant and urgent goal: To improve public health by making the best addiction treatments equitably available for those most in need.