Learn six steps to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice by communicating and disseminating your translational research effectively.

An example that is useful to thinking about is the concept of data donor. This is similar to blood donor or organ donor, but rather donating a patients own data to advance the field of research and innovation. Imagine if patients were able to freely donate their data like they are able to donate their blood. This could have a massive increase in AI generated knowledge that benefits a community of similar patient populations.

Use simple, easy-to-understand language and graphics to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice: Simple language involves speaking without using difficult phrases, such as "helps the heart" rather than using technical terms such as cardiovascular improvement. Visuals, such as pictures or graphs, convey ideas without the use of words. It makes things simple and easy to remember for everyone.

For example, you are studying a novel drug for diabetic treatment: Your research might indicate that this drug improves blood sugar management in patients, potentially changing way doctors treat diabetes. Based on these findings, you might propose that clinicians should include this treatment in their diabetes management programmes. Hence, by emphasizing these consequences and recommendations, you demonstrate how your research has a direct impact on how clinicians treat diabetes. This bridges the gap between basic research (discovery of a new treatment) and clinical practice (application of that treatment to help patients).

How can you bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice?

Bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice is a major challenge for researchers and practitioners alike. Basic research aims to generate new knowledge and understand fundamental mechanisms, while clinical practice focuses on applying existing knowledge and evidence to improve health outcomes and quality of care. How can you ensure that your research findings are relevant, accessible, and usable for the end-users who can benefit from them? In this article, we will explore some strategies and tools that can help you communicate and disseminate your translational research effectively.

1 Identify your target audience

The first step in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice is to identify who your target audience is and what their needs and preferences are. Your target audience may include clinicians, patients, policymakers, funders, or other researchers. Depending on your audience, you may need to adapt your language, format, content, and delivery method to suit their level of expertise, interest, and availability. For example, you may use a scientific journal article to share your findings with your peers, but a brief summary or infographic to inform a busy clinician or a layperson.

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Glo Neilsen

RN PhD Author
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Professional clinical learning currently occurs in several contexts. Firstly, the individual clinician is responsible for maintaining self-directed learning in their own time. Resources include online learning platforms and clinically specific learning packages. Secondly, organisations provide education sessions. To capture and efficiently utilise organisational time expanding the current role of the university and the research community should be considered. Regular formal education sessions conducted by researchers who are passionate about their topic can accomplish this. To achieve success, this needs to acknowledge various adult learning styles and translate 'research speak' to everyday language.

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Preetiparna Parida

PhD Scholar | Cancer Genetics Researcher | Molecular Virologist | Cervical Cancer and HPV Integration researcher| Works on Liquid Biopsy and Digital PCR
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You might need to modify your language, structure, content, and delivery strategy based on your target audience. Assume you've been researching a novel drug therapy for a disease. If you want to share it with other scientists, a full research report in a scientific publication would be ideal. When speaking with doctors, however, a brief overview emphasizing the treatment's benefits may be more effective. For patients or the general public, an easy-to-understand infographic describing the treatment's basics and benefits may be the ideal option. Adapting the content to the audience makes it easier for everyone to absorb and apply.

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2 Use plain language and visuals

The second step in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice is to use plain language and visuals to convey your message clearly and concisely. Plain language is a style of writing that is easy to understand, avoids jargon and technical terms, and uses active voice and short sentences. Visuals are images, graphs, charts, or diagrams that can help illustrate your key points, data, or processes. Using plain language and visuals can help you engage your audience, increase their comprehension and retention, and reduce the risk of misinterpretation or confusion.

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Preetiparna Parida

PhD Scholar | Cancer Genetics Researcher | Molecular Virologist | Cervical Cancer and HPV Integration researcher| Works on Liquid Biopsy and Digital PCR
Report contribution
Use simple, easy-to-understand language and graphics to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice: Simple language involves speaking without using difficult phrases, such as "helps the heart" rather than using technical terms such as cardiovascular improvement. Visuals, such as pictures or graphs, convey ideas without the use of words. It makes things simple and easy to remember for everyone.

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Tim Nelson, MD/PhD

Co-Founder and CEO @ HeartWorks | Re-defining biomedical innovation within a "team of teams" to cure congenital heart defects and beyond. Novel business model that leverages giving and investing for a common purpose.
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In my experience, basic research usually requires patient samples and samples require plain language to explain why this research is important to improving clinical practice. Once patients understand the why, most are eager to participate. This should ultimately be the first line of clinical care rather than the last option.

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3 Highlight the implications and recommendations

The third step in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice is to highlight the implications and recommendations of your research for your audience. Implications are the consequences or effects of your research on the current knowledge, practice, or policy in your field. Recommendations are the actions or suggestions that you propose based on your research findings. Highlighting the implications and recommendations can help you demonstrate the relevance, value, and impact of your research for your audience and motivate them to take action or change their behavior.

Add your perspective

Tim Nelson, MD/PhD

Co-Founder and CEO @ HeartWorks | Re-defining biomedical innovation within a "team of teams" to cure congenital heart defects and beyond. Novel business model that leverages giving and investing for a common purpose.
Report contribution
An example that is useful to thinking about is the concept of data donor. This is similar to blood donor or organ donor, but rather donating a patients own data to advance the field of research and innovation. Imagine if patients were able to freely donate their data like they are able to donate their blood. This could have a massive increase in AI generated knowledge that benefits a community of similar patient populations.

Like
Preetiparna Parida

PhD Scholar | Cancer Genetics Researcher | Molecular Virologist | Cervical Cancer and HPV Integration researcher| Works on Liquid Biopsy and Digital PCR
Report contribution
For example, you are studying a novel drug for diabetic treatment: Your research might indicate that this drug improves blood sugar management in patients, potentially changing way doctors treat diabetes. Based on these findings, you might propose that clinicians should include this treatment in their diabetes management programmes. Hence, by emphasizing these consequences and recommendations, you demonstrate how your research has a direct impact on how clinicians treat diabetes. This bridges the gap between basic research (discovery of a new treatment) and clinical practice (application of that treatment to help patients).

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4 Choose the appropriate channels and platforms

The fourth step in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice is to choose the appropriate channels and platforms to communicate and disseminate your research. Channels are the modes or methods of communication, such as print, online, audio, or video. Platforms are the specific outlets or venues where you share your research, such as journals, websites, podcasts, or social media. Choosing the appropriate channels and platforms can help you reach your audience effectively, efficiently, and ethically. You may need to use different channels and platforms for different audiences or purposes.

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Preetiparna Parida

PhD Scholar | Cancer Genetics Researcher | Molecular Virologist | Cervical Cancer and HPV Integration researcher| Works on Liquid Biopsy and Digital PCR
Report contribution
Choosing the appropriate channels involves presenting your findings in ways that are appropriate for your audience, making it easier for them to access and use. For example, you may publish a scientific paper (print/online) for a scientist, a podcast (audio) for healthcare professionals, or a patient education film (video) for patients.

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5 Evaluate and improve your communication and dissemination

The fifth step in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice is to evaluate and improve your communication and dissemination. Evaluation is the process of measuring and assessing the quality, outcomes, and impact of your communication and dissemination activities. Improvement is the process of using the evaluation results to identify and address the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in your communication and dissemination strategies. Evaluating and improving your communication and dissemination can help you enhance your skills, optimize your resources, and increase your influence.

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6 Collaborate and network with your stakeholders

The sixth and final step in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice is to collaborate and network with your stakeholders. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups who have an interest or stake in your research, such as your target audience, your partners, your funders, or your mentors. Collaborating and networking with your stakeholders can help you build trust, rapport, and credibility, solicit feedback and input, identify opportunities and challenges, and foster mutual learning and exchange.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice?

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1 Identify your target audience

2 Use plain language and visuals

3 Highlight the implications and recommendations

4 Choose the appropriate channels and platforms

5 Evaluate and improve your communication and dissemination

6 Collaborate and network with your stakeholders

7 Here’s what else to consider

Research Management

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