Translational research

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/B_TRANSRES

Course Objective

The following learning goals are formulated and will be tested by means of formulating an impact plan, including a stakeholder analysis using the canvas model, identifying the value proposition per important stakeholder, and peer reviewing the impact plans of one other student a: You will learn about the translational model in the physiotherapy domain, specifically on the value of translation of knowledge by means of qualitative research, utility-, economic evaluations, and implementation research b: You will learn how to incorporate part of this knowledge into an ‘impact plan’ within the physical therapy domain, on a chosen (research) topic, and will emphasize how you are going to reach valorization for important stakeholders. c. You will learn about value propositions and facilitators / and barriers for success per stakeholder.

Course Content

Translational research is the process of knowledge transfer from basic science to the ‘real world’. To start from basic science and clinical experiments e.g. developing and studying measurements, techniques, and tools or working mechanisms, transfer of knowledge is necessary as input for larger trials, e.g. to study the effectiveness and efficacy of interventions, before it can result in policies or implementation in a certain population. Unlike applied sciences, translational research is specifically designed to improve knowledge transfer from laboratories to doctors or physiotherapists in clinics and hospitals. The reason why translational research is so important is that it represents a “bench to bedside” bridge of knowledge transfer. Multiple models describe phases within this knowledge transfer. The process of knowledge transfer is best described as a “translation continuum or a translational ecosystem” because various resources and actions are involved in this progression of knowledge. Although this process of translation of knowledge seems logical, it is not. Valleys of death are described where wonderful findings and new knowledge are not successfully transferred to a larger population. The “valley of death” is a notorious stage in the research & development process where e.g. a technology has reached proof of concept (meaning the technology works in a very controlled lab setting), but still requires significant development to operate in real-life settings. Academic research plays a central role in the translational ecosystem, sitting on one end of the valley of death, that is, the gap between preclinical research and real-world clinical applications. Scientists need to be aware that steps and preparations need to be undertaken during their basic research to transfer knowledge to the real world. To create knowledge transfer, basic scientists need to know for whom the outcome of research is important. These are important stakeholders and need to be identified. Before starting an experiment, these stakeholders need to be part of the ‘strategic collaborative research team’. Think of patients, physiotherapy associations, clinicians, but also engineers, policymakers, private
- equity firms or banks for start-ups, etc. All these stakeholders will experience different barriers why implementation of the outcome will be hampered or facilitated. Each will have a different ‘value proposition’ for when the outcome of the research will be valuable for them. During translational research, we will focus on how you can be prepared for implementation or dissemination of knowledge. You will learn how to perform a stakeholder analysis with a proper value proposition per stakeholder. With this knowledge, you will learn a strategy in how to overcome the valleys of death in the translation of research in the future.

Teaching Methods

The course comprises lectures, work groups, and self-study. Lectures: The lectures (6) will provide a global theoretical background on models within translational research and focus on epidemiological and qualitative research questions related to the added value within the musculoskeletal domain for physiotherapy:Introduction to translational research models and dissemination modelsHealth-care pathwaysEconomic evaluationsUtilisation researchQualitative researchImplementation, dissemination researchLecture slides will be posted on Canvas per module. The student is advised to review the study material related to the lecture (see the course schedule) beforehand, as this will facilitate a better understanding of the lecture. Workgroups: Several workgroups will be related to formulating an impact plan on translation of knowledge based on identified barriers and facilitators important stakeholders.

Method of Assessment

The exam consists of a written impact plan. Conditional requirements Students need to upload their impact plan in Feedback Fruits so that a peer review by another student can be completed within 3 days. Based on the peer review, the impact plan can be adjusted before the final upload on Canvas before the final deadline. Every student must peer review 1 other impact plan. All students need to follow the guidelines for peer review, as presented on Canvas. The impact plan rubric will be posted on Canvas. Feedback, examination, grading, and re-examination Assessment Deadline Weight Compensabel Retake Pitch Pre test week 30% No Yes Impact plan Testweek 70% No Yes Students will pass the exam if they score a 6 or higher for the impact plan and the pitch.

Literature

Articles referred to during the lectures:
• https://impsci.tracs.unc.edu/tcast/ Model/ Theory Comparison Selection Tool
• https://dissemination-implementation.org/, https://www.nwo.nl/en/impact-plan-approach
• https://cfirguide.org/
- tools and templates for implementation research
• Mensah GA, Czajkowski SM. Translational science matters: forging partnerships between biomedical and behavioral science to advance the public's health. Transl Behav Med. 2018 Sep 8;8(5):808-814. doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibx023. Review. PubMed PMID:29617926; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6454531.
• Korthals-de Bos I, van Tulder M, van Dieten H, Bouter L. Economic evaluations and randomized trials in spinal disorders: principles and methods. Spine (PhilPa 1976). 2004 Feb 15;29(4):442-8
• Van Dongen JM, Groeneweg R, Rubinstein SM, Bosmans JE, Oostendorp RAB, Ostelo RWGJ, van Tulder MW. Cost-effectiveness of manual therapy versus Physiotherapy in patients with sub-scute and chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial Eur Spine J (2016) 25:2087-2096
• Smith JD, Li DH, Rafferty MR. The Implementation Research Logic Model: a method for planning, executing, reporting, and synthesizing implementation projects. Implement Sci. 2020 Sep 25;15(1):84. doi: 10.1186/s13012-020-01041-8. PMID: 32988389; PMCID: PMC7523057.
• Toran M, Özden B. Are there any changes in mothers' attitudes? Analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on child-rearing attitudes. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2022 Mar;134:106372. doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106372. Epub 2022 Jan 12. PMID: 35035010; PMCID: PMC8752169.
• Dikkers MF, Westerman MJ, Rubinstein SM, van Tulder MW, Anema JR. Why Neck Pain Patients Are Not Referred to Manual Therapy: A Qualitative Study among Dutch Primary Care Stakeholders. PLoS One. 2016 Jun 16;11(6):e0157465. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157465. PMID: 27311067; PMCID: PMC4911043

Target Audience

This is a module in the Master Research in Musculoskeletal Science & Practice. It is an eligible course for Master students following this Master program

Explanation Canvas

Canvas will be used to get acces and upload assignments as well as use the link to Feedback Fruits for a peer-review. Rubric on the impact plan as well as all the material needed for this course will be available via Canvas