A translational framework for public health research

Abstract

BackgroundThe paradigm of translational medicine that underpins frameworks such as the Cooksey report on the funding of health research does not adequately reflect the complex reality of the public health environment. We therefore outline a translational framework for public health research.DiscussionOur framework redefines the objective of translation from that of institutionalising effective interventions to that of improving population health by influencing both individual and collective determinants of health. It incorporates epidemiological perspectives with those of the social sciences, recognising that many types of research may contribute to the shaping of policy, practice and future research. It also identifies a pivotal role for evidence synthesis and the importance of non-linear and intersectoral interfaces with the public realm.SummaryWe propose a research agenda to advance the field and argue that resources for 'applied' or 'translational' public health research should be deployed across the framework, not reserved for 'dissemination' or 'implementation'.

Recommendations for International Gambling Harm-Minimisation Guidelines: Comparison with Effective Public Health Policy

“…Additionally, for any public health policy to be implemented, some level of public support is typically necessary. Although empirically supported policies are desirable, unequivocal evidence of effectiveness has been recognised as an important, but not mandatory requirement in creating public health policies (Ogilvie, Craig, Griffin, Macintyre, & Wareham, 2009). The presence of an evidence-based gambling policy, although important, is insufficient to minimise harms; policy needs to be implemented, assessed and refined (Anderson, Chisholm, & Fuhr, 2009).…”

Investigación traslacional en salud: un camino para la investigación pragmática e interdisciplinaria

“…Tal como señalan Ogilvie et al 1 , no está en disputa la idea de que la investigación básica y aplicada necesita ser transferida a otros escenarios relevantes. No obstante, existen dos preguntas críticas: ¿Qué investigación en salud requiere ser transferida?…”

From wealth to health: Evaluating microfinance as a complex intervention

“…Critical articles have been written on the use of RCTs in development (Barrett and Carter, 2010;Cartwright, 2007;Davies et al, 2014;Eble et al, 2013;Ogilvie et al, 2009;Shaffer, 2011;Toroyan et al, 2000;Worrall, 2007). Most of these critiques focus on the lack of generalizability of RCT results (Cartwright, 2011), but others reflect on flaws with respect to their internal validity and the difficulties of replicating clinical-type experiments in a broader social context (Deaton, 2010;Shaffer, 2011).…”

“…The sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) campaign 'Back to Sleep', from the public health literature, illustrates the insights that can be achieved from the implementation of other research methods. The success of this campaign was determined through observational evidence that highlighted behavioural factors (position of baby) and poverty as risk factors for SIDS and could have been established two decades earlier if non-trial evidence had been synthesized in the same way that RCT evidence is (Ogilvie et al, 2009). Furthermore, incorporating qualitative methods into an evaluation, in addition to forming part of the required preparatory work of an evaluation (whether in terms of design and/or determining the adequacy or plausibility of the study); can better inform the identified pathways to effect so providing richer insights for policy makers.…”

“…Research methods in epidemiology, the core science for public health, have been adapting to these shifts in the nature and main purpose of public health and the limitations of the oftassumed linear pathway, generating new and wider frameworks (Ogilvie et al, 2009). In public health, as in social interventions such as microfinance, research evaluation methods need to be able to assess effects deriving from complex pathways.…”