Challenges in Real-life Diabetes Translation Research: Early Lessons from BRiDGES Projects Open Access

Abstract

Efficacious interventions for prevention of diabetes and its complications exist; however, their
implementation is woefully inadequate. Translational research, a means to bridge the gap between
knowledge and its implementation, has received increasing recognition recently. BRiDGES, an
International Diabetes Federation program, incentivizes researchers globally to conduct
translational research. As part of its first round of funding, BRiDGES supported 11 projects in 10
countries. The purpose of this project is to qualitatively assess the early lessons learnt from
implementing translational research.
We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 researchers, seeking their views on
factors relating to success and barriers to implementation. Data were collected from June-
September 2010 by a trained interviewer; information was recorded, transcribed and analyzed
according to predefined themes and concepts using MAXQDA software.
Patient recruitment and retention were reported as challenges, a factor which directly impacted the
quality of the project outcomes. The 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 by several researchers. Flexibility was recognized as a
challenge for the successful execution of the projects. A key recommendation for the next round of
grants would be to include feedback from previous grantees, in the form of pre-submission
workshops, as well as mentoring from experienced investigators along with emphasizing the
differences between traditional and translational research.
This evaluation underscores the main contingencies to be considered for successful implementation
of translational research projects. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of having the three
stakeholders: patients, providers, and health systems, acting together in a flexible environment
within real life settings.

Table of Contents

1. Background
1.1 Objective
1.2 Aims
1.3 Study Context
1.3.1 BRiDGES eligibility to select a RFP
2. Comprehensive Review of the Literature
2.1 Non-Communicable diseases: Diabetes burden around the world
2.1.1 Epidemiology and etiology of diabetes
2.1.2 Etiology
2.1.3 Complications
2.2 Economic impact of diabetes
2.3 Lifestyle interventions
2.4 Translational research
2.5 Models used to explain translational research
2.5.1 Translation Research in the context of other models
2.5.2 Knowledge-to-action (K2A) framework
2.5.3 RE-AIM Framework
2.5.4 Barriers to uptake and utilization: revised framework
3. Manuscript
3.1 Title Page for Manuscript
3.2 Contribution of student
3.3 Abstract
3.4 Introduction
3.5 Methods
3.5.1.Sample
3.5.2 Data collection
3.5.3 Data analysis
3.6 Results
3.7 Discussion
3.8 References
Appendix: SEMISTRUCTURED CONVERSATIONAL IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW GUIDE
Letter of approval from the IRB

About this Master's Thesis

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• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	MSPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	knowledge translation prevention of diabetes Translational research lifestyle interventions
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Venkat Narayan, K M, Emory University
Partnering Agencies	International Non-governmental organization (e.g., CARE, Inc.)

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