Moving toward a three-way intersection in translational research: a sociological perspective.
Conventionally, the definition of translational research describes a two-way process of translation from the "bench" to the "bedside" and the "bedside" to the "bench." In this article, however, I suggest that those at the bottom (i.e., the clinicians) are likely to pay more attention to what those at the top (i.e., the scientists) say than vice versa. I argue that the experience of the patient, omitted from consideration, has much to add to the understanding of both clinicians and scientists. In this address I recommend using qualitative research to give voice to the experience of patients. I use examples from my own research with older widows to demonstrate its usefulness.
van den Hoonaard
Deborah K
DK
St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. dkvdh@stu.ca
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012924:Social Conditions; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000639:trends*