title: Challenges in real-life diabetes translation research: early lessons from BRIDGES projects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Efficacious interventions for prevention of diabetes and its complications exist; however, their implementation is woefully inadequate. The purpose of this project is to qualitatively assess the early lessons learnt from implementing translational research from eleven projects supported by BRIDGES, an International Diabetes Federation program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with 10 researchers, seeking their views on factors relating to success and barriers to implementation. Data were collected from June to September 2010 by a trained interviewer; information was recorded, transcribed and further analyzed with MAXQDA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient recruitment and retention were reported as challenges. Lack of availability of local multidisciplinary teams was highlighted as having a negative effect on the project. Grassroots and community participation were emphasized to have beneficial effects. Flexibility was recognized as a key for successful execution of the projects. Recommendations include: feedback from previous grantees, in the form of pre-submission workshops, and mentoring from experienced investigators with emphasis on the differences between traditional and translational researches.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This evaluation underscores the main contingencies to be considered for successful implementation of translational research. It emphasizes the importance of having the three stakeholders: patients, providers, and health systems, acting together in a flexible environment within real life settings.
authors: Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States. isabel_gdq@hotmail.com
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Garcia de Quevedo
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Siminerio
authors: Ronan
authors: R
authors: L'Heveder
authors: K M Venkat
authors: KM
authors: Narayan
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000379:methods