Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

Quantitative designs are often used in translational research, community-based

participatory research, and health services research. Because there are com-

monalities among these types of research, a study may fit in more than one of

these categories.

Translational research “transforms scientific findings or discoveries from

basic laboratory, clinical, or population studies into new clinical tools, pro-

cesses, or applications” (Grady, 2010, p. 164). There are two areas of translation:

one involves moving knowledge from basic, laboratory research into clinical

studies, and the second involves translating best practices identified in those

clinical trials to adoption in the broader community. The purpose of this type

of research is to link basic research to the point of care, ultimately improving

patient outcomes.

Like EBP, translational research is the study of how nurses and other healthcare

providers can apply scientific findings to address real clinical problems (Grady,

2010; Woolf, 2008). Recall the cycle of scientific development. Translational

research occurs when research findings are disseminated and subsequently

applied. For example, if a cure for the common cold were discovered through

basic research, translational research could be used to determine the best way

to distribute the treatment to individuals. Application of findings provides

feedback for further development of theory and research. For example, if the

cure is distributed and side effects are identified, additional research may be

indicated to improve the product.

Funding for translational research is increasing because of the recognition

that failure to adopt new innovations thwarts the cycle of science. The Agency

for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), commit-

ted to the support of translational research, is the federal

agency accountable for disseminating research findings

for clinical decision making (AHRQ, 2016).

An alternative to traditional research approaches

is community-based participatory research (CBPR)

7.4 Specific Uses for Quantitative Designs

At the end of this section, you will be able to:

‹ Define translational research, community-based participatory research, and health

services research

KEY TERMS

translational

research: Research

for the purpose of

linking research

findings to the

point of care

community-based

participatory

research: Active

involvement

of community

members

throughout the

research process

FYI

Quantitative designs are often used to answer

research questions involving translational

research, community-based participatory re-

search, and health services research.

186 CHAPTER 7 Quantitative Designs: Using Numbers to Provide Evidence