CTN Dissemination Initiative

Accelerating the dissemination of research-based drug abuse treatment into clinical practice is a priority for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and represents the core mission of the Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Dissemination Initiative.  This initiative incorporates collaboration between clinicians, scientists, and experienced trainers to catalyze the creation of user-friendly treatment tools and products and facilitate the adoption of research-based interventions into front-line clinical settings. 

The Initiative comprises three components by facilitating the adoption of research-based interventions into front-line clinical settings.

• Products and Materials;
• Meetings and Conferences; and
• Collaborative Partnerships

Another cornerstone of the CTN Dissemination Initiative involves the planning and execution of Meetings and Conferences. These unique events provide an opportunity to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between drug abuse researchers and treatment providers. The events expose providers to cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments and offer continuing education credits for physicians, psychologists, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and addiction counselors. With the support and involvement of NIDA researchers, federal partners, and professional organizations, the Initiative has been advanced through a variety of hands-on, skill-building workshops and lectures for audiences ranging from addiction professionals to emergency department physicians. These activities also serve as opportunities for us to meet with leadership and members of key organizations to initiate collaborative training activities, discuss partnership possibilities, and initiate resource development.

The CTN Dissemination Initiative aims to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with professional organizations serving the addiction treatment community as well as general medical settings such as primary and emergency care. In recent years, the Initiative has partnered with more than a dozen organizations to provide embedded conference sessions, preconference workshops, and specialty courses, along with training and mentorship awards. These collaborations are key to reaching the full spectrum of healthcare providers and professionals, as well as reaching health providers just beginning their career trajectory. One facet of the Initiative’s efforts at collaboration is the distribution of resident mentorship opportunities with professional organizations. These mentoring activities create unique opportunities to encourage the early adoption and implementation of evidence-based substance use disorder treatment interventions in the general healthcare setting.