Open AccessValues in Translation: How Asking the Right Questions Can Move Translational Science Toward Greater Health Impact
Author(s) -
Kelley Maureen,
Edwards Kelly,
Starks Helene,
Fullerton Stephanie M.,
James Rosalina,
Goering Sara,
Holland Suzanne,
Disis Mary L.,
Burke Wylie
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical and translational science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.303
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1752-8062
pISSN - 1752-8054
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-8062.2012.00441.x
Subject(s) - translational science , psychological intervention , knowledge translation , translational research , social justice , population health , value (mathematics) , public relations , translational medicine , investment (military) , economic justice , community engagement , engineering ethics , population , psychology , medicine , political science , sociology , knowledge management , social science , computer science , nursing , engineering , law , pathology , environmental health , machine learning , politics
The speed and effectiveness of current approaches to research translation are widely viewed as disappointing given small gains in real population health outcomes despite huge investments in basic and translational science. We identify critical value questions—ethical, social, economic, and cultural—that arise at moments throughout the research pathway. By making these questions visible, and promoting discussion of them with diverse stakeholders, we can facilitate handoffs along the translational pathway and increase uptake of effective interventions. Who is involved with those discussions will determine which research projects, populations, and methods get prioritized. We argue that some upfront investment in community and interdisciplinary engagement, shaped by familiar questions in ethics, social justice, and cultural knowledge, can save time and resources in the long run because interventions and strategies will be aimed in the right direction, that is, toward health improvements for all. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 445–451