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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