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System-Based Participatory Research in Health Care: An Approach for Sustainable Translational Research and Quality Improvement
Julie A. Schmittdiel , and colleagues
Background Translational research is the application of research findings to medical treatment or daily clinical practice. This essay proposes that translational research can be strengthened by applying principles of community-based participatory research, which emphasizes partnership between community members and researchers. Participatory research methods, such as engaging in collaborative partnerships, building on existing community strengths, investing in long-term relationships, and engaging in research as a cyclical, iterative process, increases the likelihood that research questions will be relevant, interventions will be sustainable, and research findings will be translated into systematic action.