While the development of health interventions has advanced significantly, their real-world application often fails to reach all segments of the population equitably. Implementation science, the study of methods to promote the uptake of research findings into routine practice, provides a critical lens to address these disparities. However, considerations of equity are often not explicitly integrated into implementation efforts. This can lead to the perpetuation or even exacerbation of existing health inequities related to race, socioeconomic status, gender, and other social determinants of health. There is a growing recognition that a deliberate focus on equity is fundamental to the success of implementation research to ensure that all subpopulations can reach the same health outcomes despite their baseline.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to address the gap in knowledge on how to embed equity within implementation research. Many effective health interventions, when implemented, do not achieve the same outcomes across different population groups due to a failure to consider and address pre-existing disparities and contextual factors. This collection aims to build a collective understanding of "equitable implementation" by showcasing research that intentionally integrates equity considerations into the principles and strategies of implementation science. We seek to highlight approaches that move beyond one-size-fits-all implementation and instead tailor strategies to meet the specific needs of marginalized and underserved populations, ultimately working towards the elimination of health disparities.

This Research Topic invites submissions that advance our understanding of equity in implementation research across various health contexts and settings. We welcome a range of manuscript types, including original empirical research, systematic reviews, and papers on the development or validation of theories, frameworks, and measures.

Specific themes of interest include, but are not limited to:
- The application of equity-focused implementation strategies in the prevention or management of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or infectious diseases
- Methodological innovations for measuring and evaluating equity in implementation research
- Case studies of community-engaged approaches to designing and adapting interventions for diverse populations
- Analyses of how structural factors like racism and economic inequality impact implementation outcomes
- Theoretical papers that refine our conceptual understanding of equitable implementation

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Equity Considerations in Implementation Research