The Partners with Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research

Presentation given by Phylicia Porter, MPH

Review Article derived by Kimberly Kobus, Ph.D & Robin Mermelstein, Ph.D

BRIDGING BASIC AND CLINICAL SCIENCE

WITH POLICY STUDIES

“There does not exist a category of science to which one can give the name ‘applied

science.’ There are science and the applications of science, bound together as

the fruit of the tree which bears it.”

-Louis Pasteur

What is Translational Research?

The Translation Continuum

How??

Intended population (or sub population) Macro- level

Community Policy Makers

Micro- level Provider Patient

Fiscal Burden Insurance Coverage

Communication, Dissemination, and Delivery (ecological perspective theory)

“BEGIN WITH THE END (GOAL) IN MIND”

Does the impact of research on policy application depend on the relationship between research and application agencies?

Key Stakeholders: Collaboration between the RWJF and the Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Centers (TTURCs)

Purpose: Cross-fertilization of scientific disciplines from basic, cellular to broad societal and epidemiological perspectives. Main research focused on communication and policy research

Outcomes Foster collaborative and transdisciplinary research Bring new investigators into the field Develop sustainable programs of policy research Answer next steps translational questions Enhance the relevance of policy relevance

TRANSDISCIPLINARY TOBACCO USE RESEARCH CENTERS

Source: Bridging basic and clinical science with policy studies: The Partners with Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Centers experience Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Volume 11, Number 5 (May 2009) 467-474

Basic research not clinically relevant (generated for its own sake)

Clinical practice guidelines in literature insufficient for translation

Comparisons among programs hampered by competition, conflict of interest

Perception that translation will be lengthy and expensiveTime necessary to train researchers to communicate and

share across fieldsPractitioners unable to utilize an innovationResearchers don’t interpret findings so that they can be

easily disseminated

COMMON BARRIERS TO TRANSLATION

Translation of research to practice that promotes improvement in health care outcomes continues to be an obstacle to improving quality of health care delivery

Key Health stakeholders must facilitate access and understanding of new knowledge for it to be implemented

Health researchers must communicate to researchers and practitioners

Health profession teachers should emphasize transitional processes Integrating research with practice/policy requires the development

of a common language and common understanding about the meaning of knowledge translation, knowledge integration, and the nature of evidence.

New and expanded investments in dissemination and implementation research are needed to review existing models and develop new conceptual frameworks to integrate science with service practice and policy.

Research/practice/policy partnerships will be critical in all aspects of future intervention, dissemination and implementation research, as well as diffusion, dissemination and implementation of research results.

CONCLUSIONS

Allow time for transdisciplinary research to developInvolve all- level researchersProvide a logical and central infrastructure with a

key purpose, measureable goals and objectives, and clear outcomes that include policy

Include key stakeholdersEnhance translation policy research through

communicationsBegin with the “goal in mind” from the onset of

research

STRATEGIES FOR INCORPORATION