Redefining The Research–Practice Continuum: The Vision of Advances in Medical Research and Practice

Discovery and knowledge in the medical field are advancing at an unparalleled rate. However, the ability to translate that knowledge into relevant and meaningful enhancements in the care of patients has not been as rapid. Evidence might be underutilized, implementation might be inconsistent, and innovations that have potential for effect may not see beyond the lab. A systematic review of reviews showed significant evidence that many barriers still stand in the way of evidence-based research moving into regular clinical practice.[1] This one is one of the biggest dilemmas in the modern day's medicine. The practice of this traditional approach of research→ publication→ practice is thus no longer enough. There is a need for a more dynamic concept, the research–practice continuum, in which research feeds into practice, practice feeds into research, and patient outcomes continually strengthen the evidence base.