Moving toward paradigm-shifting research in health disparities through translational, transformational, and transdisciplinary approaches.
Translational, transdisciplinary, and transformational research stands to become a paradigm-shifting mantra for research in health disparities. A windfall of research discoveries using these 3 approaches has increased our understanding of the health disparities in racial, ethnic, and low socioeconomic status groups. These distinct but related research spheres possess unique environments, which, when integrated, can lead to innovation in health disparities science. In this article, we review these approaches and propose integrating them to advance health disparities research through a change in philosophical position and an increased emphasis on community engagement. We argue that a balanced combination of these research approaches is needed to inform evidence-based practice, social action, and effective policy change to improve health in disparity communities.
National Institutes of Health, National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892-5465, USA. dankwamullani@mail.nih.gov
Irene
I
Dankwa-Mullan
Kyu B
KB
Rhee
David M
DM
Stoff
Jennifer Reineke
JR
Pohlhaus
Francisco S
FS
Sy
Nathaniel
N
Stinson
John
J
Ruffin
D019058:Community Networks; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D011050:Policy Making; D012922:Social Change; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical; D035862:Vulnerable Populations