Lost in translation: barriers and progress in harnessing basic medical science into community practice in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Translational research carries over fundamental laboratory research findings into clinical and community settings in order to ‘translate’ the findings into practice. In addition to its potential in accelerating the time of basic discoveries to be delivered into the population, translational studies also provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations in identifying knowledge gaps. However, several issues hindering the advancement of translational research studies have risen in developing countries, such as limited funding, insufficient research evaluation and recognition, absence of government model or consortium, and insufficient communication among researchers and stakeholders. While the original concept of the ‘bench to bedside’ has been known for years, the practice of bilateral flow from bench to bedside, and back to the bench was found lacking. Lack of interactions and involvement of the clinicians, community and resources further deplete translational ability of the research itself. Without understanding the priorities and the environment in which the decision makers work, specific research aims needed by the communities may be failed to be formulated and may result in devaluation of research by formulating similar key questions repetitively. The current commentary aimed to highlight the importance of connecting population health systems, basic demands, and academic institutions, to own the issues, to address the issues, and to translate research findings.

Keywords

• Translational research
• Barriers
• Progress
• Community needs
• Indonesia