title: Setting the research agenda for improving health care in musculoskeletal disorders.
abstract: Despite a substantial contribution to the global burden of disease, musculoskeletal conditions are under-represented in clinical research, and that which is performed is often wasteful and lacking clinical relevance. Even clinically relevant musculoskeletal research might not lead to timely or adequate changes in clinical practice and associated improvements in patient outcomes. The formulation of clinical recommendations alone is usually insufficient to bring about changes in practice patterns. Research exploring how to improve the translation of evidence-based recommendations into practice, as well as the identification and removal of barriers to practice change, is necessary in order for the promise of musculoskeletal research to be realized in improved health outcomes. These goals can be achieved by improvements in the coordination of research activities, the resourcing and allocation of funding, and the involvement of clinicians and patients.
authors.affiliation: Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute and Monash University, Suite 41 Cabrini Medical Centre, 183 Wattletree Road, Malvern, VIC 3144, Australia.
authors.forename: Rachelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buchbinder
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, GPO Box 5389, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.affiliation: Whitlam Orthopaedic Research Centre, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Level 2, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia.
authors.forename: Ian A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D058996:Quality Improvement