Journal of Implementation science

Journal of Implementation science

Journal of Implementation science – Submit Paper

Open Access & Peer-Reviewed

Submit Manuscript

Submit Your Health Services Research to Implementation Science

Join leading researchers advancing healthcare delivery, quality improvement, and health systems innovation through rigorous implementation science

21 Days to First Decision
60 Days to Publication
100% Open Access
Start Your Submission Now

Complete your submission in 15 minutes • Expert health services reviewers • Immediate global visibility

Two Convenient Submission Methods

Choose the submission pathway that works best for your research. Both methods ensure your health services research receives expert evaluation from implementation science specialists.

Recommended

ManuscriptZone Portal

Our comprehensive manuscript management system designed for health services researchers who value complete control and real-time tracking.

  • Auto-save functionality protects your work
  • Guided workflow for implementation studies
  • Real-time submission status tracking
  • Direct communication with health services editors
  • Access to reviewer comments and revision history
  • Secure document management
Submit via ManuscriptZone
Quick Option

Quick Submission Form

Streamlined submission process perfect for straightforward health services manuscripts and rapid communications.

  • No account registration required
  • Simple, intuitive interface
  • Fast submission for quality improvement studies
  • Ideal for case reports and brief communications
  • Direct upload of manuscript files
  • Email confirmation upon submission
Use Quick Submission Form

New to Implementation Science? Our editorial team specializes in health services research, healthcare policy analysis, quality improvement methodologies, and health systems implementation. We understand the unique challenges of translating research into practice and provide expert guidance throughout the peer review process.

Health Services Article Types We Publish

Implementation Science welcomes diverse contributions to health services research. Our expert reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on methodological rigor, practical implications for healthcare delivery, and contribution to implementation science theory.

Implementation Research

Original studies examining the translation of evidence-based interventions into healthcare practice, including barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies.

Quality Improvement Studies

Systematic evaluations of healthcare quality initiatives, process improvements, patient safety interventions, and performance measurement systems.

Health Policy Analysis

Research examining healthcare policies, regulatory frameworks, reimbursement systems, and their impact on health services delivery and outcomes.

Health Systems Research

Studies of healthcare organization, delivery models, workforce development, resource allocation, and system-level interventions to improve care.

Health Informatics Studies

Research on electronic health records, health information technology, clinical decision support systems, and digital health interventions in practice settings.

Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses

Comprehensive syntheses of implementation research, health services interventions, or quality improvement strategies with practical implications.

Methodology Papers

Novel approaches to implementation research design, measurement of implementation outcomes, evaluation frameworks, or analytical methods for health services research.

Case Studies

Detailed examinations of specific implementation efforts, organizational change initiatives, or innovative health services delivery models with lessons learned.

Rapid Communications

Time-sensitive findings from implementation studies, emerging health services issues, or preliminary results with significant practice implications.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Ensure your health services manuscript is ready for submission by verifying these essential components. Complete submissions receive faster editorial screening and peer review assignment.

Manuscript File Ready
Word document (.doc/.docx) or LaTeX file with all sections complete, including structured abstract for implementation studies
Figures & Tables Prepared
High-resolution images (300 DPI minimum), TIFF or EPS format, with descriptive captions and proper labeling
Ethics Approval Obtained
IRB/ethics committee approval for health services research involving human subjects or healthcare data
Author Contributions Listed
All authors have reviewed and approved the manuscript, with clear contribution statements
Conflicts of Interest Declared
Complete disclosure of financial relationships, institutional affiliations, and potential competing interests
Reporting Guidelines Followed
SQUIRE for quality improvement, StaRI for implementation studies, or appropriate guidelines for your study design

Peer Review Timeline

Our transparent peer review process ensures your health services research receives thorough evaluation from implementation science experts while maintaining efficient timelines.

1
Day 0

Manuscript Submission

Submit your health services research through ManuscriptZone or Quick Submission Form. Receive immediate confirmation and manuscript tracking number.

2
Days 1-3

Editorial Screening

Health services editor reviews manuscript for scope, quality, and adherence to implementation science standards. Plagiarism check performed using iThenticate.

3
Days 4-7

Reviewer Assignment

Manuscript assigned to 2-3 expert reviewers with specialized knowledge in your health services research area and implementation methodologies.

4
Days 8-28

Peer Review

Expert reviewers evaluate methodological rigor, implementation science contribution, practical implications for healthcare delivery, and manuscript quality.

5
Day 28

Editorial Decision

Receive decision (accept, minor revisions, major revisions, or reject) with detailed reviewer comments and editor recommendations.

6
As Needed

Revision & Re-review

Submit revised manuscript addressing reviewer comments. Re-review typically completed within 14 days for minor revisions, 21 days for major revisions.

7
Days 50-60

Acceptance & Production

Final acceptance followed by professional copyediting, typesetting, and production. Proofs provided for author review before publication.

8
Day 60

Publication

Your health services research published online with immediate open access. Your research gains worldwide visibility through indexing in Google Scholar, connecting it with the global scientific community.

Average time from submission to publication: 60 days. We prioritize efficient peer review without compromising quality. Health services researchers benefit from expert evaluation and constructive feedback that strengthens their implementation science contributions.

Why Health Services Researchers Choose Implementation Science

📚

Expert Health Services Reviewers

Your manuscript evaluated by implementation scientists, health services researchers, and quality improvement specialists who understand your field

📈

Comprehensive Indexing

Published articles Indexed in major academic databases and Google Scholar, reaching global health services audiences

Fast Editorial Decisions

Average 21 days to first decision with transparent timelines and real-time status tracking throughout the review process

🌐

Immediate Open Access

100% open access publication ensures your health services research reaches practitioners, policymakers, and researchers worldwide

Ethical Publishing Standards

Adheres to COPE best practices. Rigorous plagiarism screening. Transparent peer review. Adherence to radiation safety and patient privacy regulations.

💰

APC Waivers Available

Financial support for eligible authors from low- and middle-income countries, ensuring equitable access to publication

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

Structure Your Health Services Manuscript

Implementation Science follows standard scientific manuscript structure with specific requirements for health services research:

Title: Clear, concise, and descriptive. Include key terms like "implementation," "quality improvement," "health systems," or specific intervention/setting when applicable.

Abstract: Structured abstract (250-300 words) with Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions. For implementation studies, include implementation strategies and outcomes.

Keywords: 5-8 keywords including MeSH terms relevant to health services research, implementation science, and your specific topic area.

Introduction: Establish the health services problem, review relevant implementation science literature, and clearly state research objectives and hypotheses.

Methods: Detailed description of study design, setting, participants, implementation strategies, data collection, and analysis. Follow SQUIRE, StaRI, or other relevant reporting guidelines.

Results: Present findings systematically with appropriate tables and figures. Include implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, sustainability) when applicable.

Discussion: Interpret findings in context of implementation science theory and existing health services literature. Address practical implications for healthcare delivery and policy.

References: Vancouver style citation format. Include seminal implementation science frameworks and recent health services research relevant to your study.

Technical Specifications

Ensure your manuscript meets these technical requirements for efficient processing:

  • File format: Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or LaTeX (.tex)
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced
  • Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
  • Line numbering: Continuous throughout manuscript
  • Page numbering: Bottom center, starting with title page
  • Figures: TIFF or EPS format, minimum 300 DPI resolution
  • Tables: Editable format (Word tables, not images)
  • Supplementary materials: Clearly labeled and referenced in main text

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of health services research does Implementation Science publish?

We publish implementation research, quality improvement studies, health policy analysis, health systems research, health informatics studies, and methodological papers focused on healthcare delivery and non-clinical aspects of health services. We do not publish individual patient care studies, clinical treatment protocols, or diagnosis-focused research.

How long does the peer review process take?

Average time to first decision is 21 days. The complete process from submission to publication typically takes 60 days, including revision time. We provide real-time status updates through ManuscriptZone.

Who reviews health services manuscripts?

Your manuscript is evaluated by 2-3 expert reviewers with specialized knowledge in implementation science, health services research, quality improvement, or your specific topic area. All reviewers are active researchers in health services fields.

What are the publication charges?

Article Processing Charges (APCs) vary by article type and length. APC waivers are available for authors from low- and middle-income countries and for unfunded research. Contact our editorial office for specific pricing and waiver eligibility.

Is my health services research suitable for Implementation Science?

If your research examines healthcare delivery, quality improvement, health policy, health systems, or implementation of evidence-based practices in healthcare settings, it is likely suitable. We focus on system-level and organizational research rather than individual patient care.

What reporting guidelines should I follow?

Use SQUIRE 2.0 for quality improvement studies, StaRI for implementation research, PRISMA for systematic reviews, or other appropriate guidelines for your study design. Include a completed checklist as supplementary material.

Ready to Submit Your Health Services Research?

Join the growing community of implementation scientists and health services researchers publishing with Implementation Science. Our expert editorial team is here to support you throughout the submission and peer review process.

Start Your Submission

Need assistance with your submission? Contact our editorial support team: [email protected]