The Water Institute at UNC and Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166 Rosenau Hall, CB #7431 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7431, USA.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Oct 22;16(20):4049. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16204049.
Translational research applies scientific techniques to achieve practical outcomes, connecting pure research and pure practice. Many translational research types have arisen since the mid-1900s, reflecting the need to better integrate scientific advancement with policy and practice. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) development efforts have aimed to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve service delivery; thus, associated research has a strong orientation toward applied studies that use diverse methods to support decision-making. Drawing from knowledge that emerged to support other professional fields, such as manufacturing and clinical healthcare, we characterize different types of translational research and clarify nomenclature and principles. We describe study approaches relevant to translational research questions, and offer overarching recommendations, specific examples, and resources for further study as practical advice to professionals who seek to apply translational methods to WaSH problems. To enhance collective outcomes, professionals should mindfully align projects within the translational spectrum. We further recommend overarching good practices such as documenting intervention adaptations, overtly considering contextual factors, and better distinguishing efficacy from effectiveness research by replicating studies in different contexts. By consciously improving the compatibility and linkages between WaSH science and practice, this guide can accelerate urgently needed progress toward global development goals.
转化研究将科学技术应用于实现实际成果，连接纯研究和纯实践。自 20 世纪中叶以来，出现了许多转化研究类型，这反映了需要更好地将科学进步与政策和实践相结合。水、环境卫生和个人卫生（WaSH）发展工作旨在降低发病率和死亡率并改善服务提供；因此，相关研究具有强烈的应用研究方向，采用多种方法支持决策。我们借鉴了支持其他专业领域（如制造业和临床医疗保健）的知识，对不同类型的转化研究进行了描述，并阐明了术语和原则。我们描述了与转化研究问题相关的研究方法，并提供了总体建议、具体示例和进一步研究的资源，作为寻求将转化方法应用于 WaSH 问题的专业人员的实用建议。为了提高集体成果，专业人员应该在转化范围内有意识地调整项目。我们还建议采用总体良好做法，例如记录干预措施的调整，明确考虑背景因素，并通过在不同背景下复制研究更好地区分疗效研究和有效性研究。通过有意识地提高 WaSH 科学与实践之间的兼容性和联系，本指南可以加速实现全球发展目标所需的迫切进展。
