Duties and Tasks Associated with Translation: Implications for Implementation

Abstract While traditionally focusing on efforts to translate research findings into medical therapies, translational research has more recently encompassed a broad range of activities designed to address problems or issues in specific settings. The authors describe a process referred to as DACUM, which is applied to the job of a Translation/Implementation Professional whose primary focus is on translating research-informed programs and practices into practical applications. DACUM is an acronym for “Developing a Curriculum.” It is a job analysis methodology used by workforce and talent development professionals to identify the specific, measurable, observable activities performed by a worker. Specific duties and job-related tasks of a Translation/Implementation Professional and implications for implementation science and implementation practice are discussed.