Interview with Implementation Science Expert Jon Scaccia Ph.D., Co-Chair of Global Health Care Conference
Interview with Implementation Science Expert Jon Scaccia Ph.D., Co-Chair of Global Health Care Conference
How Dr. Jon Scaccia Drives Meaningful Change in Public Health Through Implementation Science
Dr. Scaccia is a data analytics and implementation science expert at Aptive, supporting a wide range of public health initiatives. He also serves as co-chair of the biennial Global Implementation Society (GIS) conference, taking place this week in Abuja, Nigeria, that brings together top health care and implementation science professionals to explore forward-thinking practices and solutions to global health care challenges.
Dr. Scaccia’s work at Aptive aligns with the organization’s mission to drive meaningful change in public health, emphasizing collaboration across cultures and contexts. By partnering with the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance (NISA), he aims to bridge knowledge gaps, integrate evidence-based practices and gather local insights, fostering innovations that resonate globally. Dr. Scaccia’s knowledge and connections will further benefit Aptive’s health care initiatives and deepen ties with global health development organizations.
Dr. Scaccia’s Professional Journey
What are you currently working on at Aptive?
I work in data analytics within the Civilian Health account. Right now, I support the national evaluation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline program and the Zero Suicide in Health Systems program for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. I get to collaborate with some really cool people, tackling meaningful and impactful issues in public health.
What is implementation science and why is it important to health care?
There are a lot of great ideas out there and countless scientists producing high-quality research with the potential to reach a wide audience — but it often doesn’t. Numerous barriers keep practitioners in the field from accessing and utilizing these scientific advancements, and that’s where implementation science comes in. Implementation science is essentially the study of what it takes to move these ideas into practice. It examines how we can more effectively introduce evidence-based programs, policies and practices so they can function well in specific real-world settings.
What defining moment in your career made you passionate about implementation science?
Early in my graduate studies at the University of South Carolina, I didn’t know much about implementation science. However, I did notice that real-world settings had a lot of challenges that kept people from doing the best job possible. Their work was well-intentioned, but the methods weren’t always effective. The field of implementation science (and community psychology) gave us the tools and language to improve work processes and intervention delivery, ultimately helping us achieve better outcomes.
How does this intersect with your work at Aptive?
Implementation science is deeply woven into the data analytics work I do at Aptive. The metrics and measures we generate are only valuable if practitioners and policymakers can act on them. So, as we create and analyze our findings, we always consider how these insights will be applied in different settings and how they can drive change.
On Chairing a Conference and Partnering With An International Science Alliance
How did you get involved with the GIS Conference?
I attended my first GIS conference back in 2011 to present some preliminary work on organizational readiness. Since then, I’ve been involved primarily as a researcher and advocate for implementation science.
How did you come to serve as the co-chair for this year’s GIS Conference?
Honestly, I was asked by the then-president of GIS. I also have this habit of not being able to say no to exciting, innovative opportunities! What we’re aiming to achieve with GIS 2024 is truly groundbreaking — it’s a chance to create meaningful change on a global scale. What’s not to like about that?
What role does NISA play in bridging research and practice in health care?
By co-hosting with NISA, we’ve been able to connect with an extensive network across Africa, including people committed to putting health care ideas into practice. NISA brings crucial, setting-specific knowledge from Nigeria and other African countries, which helps us understand the challenges, barriers and facilitators needed to improve health on a population level.
What topics or innovations are you most excited to see highlighted during the conference?
I’m a sucker for AI and related technological improvements. I’m really interested in seeing how different people have been able to use the increasingly democratized tools of AI, such as large language models, to help support and accelerate their work.
The Global Impact and Significance
How was Abuja, Nigeria selected for the conference location?
For about the past 15 years, science has faced what we call the “WEIRD” problem — an acronym for Westernized, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic. Essentially, much scientific research and its outcomes are often limited to these types of countries. Yet, we know that people everywhere could benefit from these advancements, and it’s crucial we reach them. From the start, we wanted to demonstrate our commitment to making science more inclusive and globally impactful. Hosting the conference in a country that isn’t traditionally considered “WEIRD” allows us to show the field that we’re dedicated to making science pluralistic, with real benefits for people worldwide.
What role do developing regions play in driving health care innovation on the global stage?
Developing regions play a critical role by providing data and insights on locally developed solutions. By tapping into this rich knowledge base, we can co-develop innovations with communities and design solutions alongside scientists, creating impactful, community-driven outcomes.
Reflections and Looking Forward
What key takeaways do you plan to bring back to your work at Aptive?
As someone involved in setting the agenda, there are a few key takeaways and connections I’m particularly excited to bring back. Many of the stakeholders at GIS are engaged with USAID development projects, which presents a great opportunity to deepen connections with that branch of the federal government and explore how Aptive could support similar initiatives going forward. I’m also very interested in learning about grassroots innovations, especially those that integrate with policy. Policy is often an underutilized lever in community-based work, and the more we can explore ways that stakeholders engage with policymakers — whether at the local, state or national level — the better we can scale these changes.
This conference is only possible thanks to so many volunteers, organizers and dedicated professionals who helped shape the agenda. My role here is small compared to the ideas, passion and values that researchers, academics and policymakers have contributed. I’m hoping to learn things that will be valuable, and I’m really looking forward to connecting with others who are equally committed to making a difference.