Evidence-based decision-making 5: Translational research.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Knowledge Translation
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• The "leaky pipeline" phenomenon describes the slow translation of research into clinical practice, a concern for health agencies globally.
• Translational research, or knowledge translation, aims to bridge the gap between research and patient care.
• Improving population health through evidence-based decision-making is a key goal for health research funders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present definitions and frameworks of translational research.
• To illustrate an Integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT) approach within Bariatric Care.
• To discuss real-world successes and challenges in implementing research into practice.

Main Methods:

• An Integrated Knowledge Translation Team was established at the inception of a bariatric care program.
• The iKT approach facilitated evidence-based decision-making and practice change.
• Qualitative discussion of successes and challenges encountered during implementation.

Main Results:

• The iKT model facilitated the integration of research findings into clinical practice within bariatric care.
• Evidence-based decision-making led to tangible practice changes in a specific healthcare setting.
• The study highlights both the potential and the obstacles in translating research into effective patient care.

Conclusions:

• Integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT) is an effective strategy for accelerating the adoption of research findings into clinical practice.
• Successful implementation requires a structured approach, as demonstrated in the bariatric care example.
• Addressing challenges is essential for optimizing the translation of research into improved patient outcomes and population health.