Translating research into practice
F
or many years, clinicians and researchers alike have noted a gap between research
about
speech pathology, and the practice
of
speech pathology. Both groups have
identified factors contributing to this gap and barriers impacting on the profession’s
capacity to narrow the gap. Time, relevance and utility of research findings are often cited as
significant issues. In recent times, the expansion of the definition of evidence-based practice to
incorporate clinical experience and expertise could be considered an attempt to demonstrate the
value of both empirical research and practice knowledge and skills in delivering the best care
to our clients. Further attempts to narrow the gap include a new focus on translational
research, practice-based research, and knowledge transfer and exchange.
This issue of
JCPSLP
is focused on such research, and includes papers that define the
principles underlying practice-based research, and studies that applied these principles.
In their clinical insights paper, Brown and colleagues overview the current state of speech
pathology research in Australia and discuss the value of practice-driven research in improving
the quality of care for individuals with communication and swallowing conditions. They provide
case studies of a researcher and a clinician who have engaged in practice-based research
and highlight the advantages of this approach.
Another clinical insights paper from Crowe and McLeod presents findings from a series
of studies investigating communication choices of families raising children with hearing loss
in Australia. They synthesise the findings of these studies in a way that makes them more
accessible for clinicians, which is an important feature of research that aims to guide and
inform clinical practice.
Thomas and colleagues, in the third clinical insights paper, reflect on the establishment of
a National Health and Medical Research Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Aphasia
Rehabilitation which aims to increase the aphasia research evidence base while facilitating the
translation of best available evidence into practice. This centre, in collaboration with clinicians
and consumers, is developing the Australian Aphasia Rehabilitation Pathway which aims to
improve the outcomes for people with aphasia as well as their families.
Research papers in this issue also relate to the theme of practice-based research.
Watter and colleagues present the results of a study investigating the practices of speech
pathologists working in brain injury rehabilitation units across Australia. As the first speech
pathology research in such a setting, it contributes to the evidence base, identifies gaps in
knowledge and directs future research in the field. Stewart and colleagues used practice-
based research to explore the roles, experiences and preferences of carers involved in speech
pathology rehabilitation services in the home.
Regular columns also focus on the theme of practice-based research. In the “What’s the
evidence?” column, Power describes knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE), which is an
approach to creating and using research in which both clinicians and researchers have a key
role. She examines the effectiveness of KTE interventions for rehabilitation settings and
suggests a need to utilise this model to inform and ensure best practice for clients.
Other columns include: the “Top 10 resources” used to translate research into practice
in a paediatric community health service, “Ethical conversations” identifying a framework
for knowledge translation to support responsible and ethical clinical practice, “Webwords”,
Resource reviews and Around the journals. We hope you enjoy this issue.
From the editors
Anna Copley and Jane McCormack
1
From the editors
Contents
JCPSLP
Volume 16, Number 1 2014
1
