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Translational research - working hard to bridge the knowledge translation gap

The gap that exists between what is discovered in the lab and what is implemented in the clinic is expanding. So much so that, the dedicated translational research field is reaching it's peak and is starting to be described as a multistep process that eventually finishes with medical guidelines and clinical practice changes. This field is pivotal to ensuring that the gap between discovery and implementation is reduced.

A recent news article by Drs Philippa Brice and Sowmiya Moorthie {1} highlights the unnecessary gap between developing new technologies and using them in clinical practice. They say that "translation of emerging technologies into health service practice requires key steps of evaluation, assessment, appraisal and implementation following on from 'bench to bedside' research" and their main concern now is "to bridge the current gap between assessment/evaluation and clinical implementation, a gap which creates unnecessary delay at translating potentially valuable new technologies into clinical practice and better health."

It is clear that much effort and focus is currently being made on how to bridge these gaps and ensure any new discoveries/technologies find their way into the clinic as soon as possible. Ultimately, we are all constantly working to improve healthcare practices and ensure patients are receiving the most appropriate and effective treatments.

{1} Brice and Moorthie, Improving Health Technology Assessments, 23 April 2008, http://www.phgfoundation.org/news/4072/ Accessed 24/04/2008

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Posted by Natalie Davall on Friday Apr 25, 2008, Category: Bench to Bedside | Permalink

The battle of knowledge translation from 'bench' to 'bedside'

The discussion surrounding knowledge translation from 'bench' (i.e. research) to 'bedside' (i.e. applications in the clinic) in medicine has become livelier in the global community in recent years, with more and more literary evidence appearing to support a growing problem within this area. But what is knowledge translation and why is it now such a hot topic?

The Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) define it as "a dynamic and iterative process that includes the synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the healthcare system" [1]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) gives a more general description of knowledge translation: "The synthesis, exchange, and application of knowledge by relevant stakeholders to accelerate the benefits of global and local innovation in strengthening health systems and improving people's health" [2].

So, as the volume of literature published on research findings increases, so does the gap between 'bench' and 'bedside'. This is why knowledge translation is so important and is receiving a lot more attention in modern medicine. Only when knowledge translation is feasible and efficient does the knowledge gained through research end up being used in everyday practice.

This is where Faculty of 1000 Medicine can help. Our service aims to highlight the very best and most relevant articles being published across the field of medicine, irrespective of what journal they are published in. In this sense, the service allows clinicians, physicians, doctors in training and researchers to stay abreast of the literature in their subject area so that they can keep up with the latest findings, newest techniques and best practices.

This category of the blog will explore the barriers to knowledge translation, how it differs across medicine and the possible solutions to the impediments that arise during knowledge translation.

References:
1. Graham ID, Tetroe J and the KT Theories Research Group, Some theoretical underpinnings of Knowledge Transfer. Academic Emergency Medicine 2007; 14:936-941.
2. Arnold LK et al., Knowledge Translation in international emergency medical care. Academic Emergency Medicine 2007; 14:1047-1051.

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Posted by Sean Porazinski on Monday Jan 07, 2008, Category: Bench to Bedside | Permalink