title: Characterization of investigators' approach to translational research: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little is known about how investigators approach their research programs along the translational research continuum. Many consider the translational continuum to be linear, with research beginning at the bench and concluding with research at the bedside or in the community. We aimed to understand if translational investigators approach and view their research in this fashion.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted semistructured individual interviews with 16 graduates of the University of Pittsburgh's Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Scholars Program (KL2) in 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our research revealed three characteristic models. The first model we called "linear" and represented the traditional approach. The second we called "holistic"; these investigators began with central research questions and sought to explore them in every direction of translation, not necessarily taking linear steps. The third model we called "technical"; in this model, investigators focused on a unique technology or methodology and applied it across multiple research contexts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study found that there are multiple ways that translational investigators approach their research program. Better understanding of these models can help educators and mentors guide investigators so that they can be more productive in their clinical or translational research career.
authors: Institute for Clinical Research Education, Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors: Doris M
authors: DM
authors: Rubio
authors: Georgeanna F W B
authors: GF
authors: Robinson
authors: Victoria A
authors: VA
authors: Gilliam
authors: Brian A
authors: BA
authors: Primack
authors: Galen E
authors: GE
authors: Switzer
authors: Deborah L
authors: DL
authors: Seltzer
authors: Wishwa N
authors: WN
authors: Kapoor
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012108:Research Personnel; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical
keywords: CTSA; KL2 Scholars Program; bench to bedside; translational continuum; translational research models