Translation science can be defined as “a field of research that focuses on testing implementation interventions” in order to “explicate what implementation strategies work for whom, in what settings, and why” (Titler, 2014, p. 270). The aim of translation science consists of promoting the adoption and successful use of evidence-based practice (Titler, Adams, & Cameron, 2014). According to Titler et al. (2014), its major components include the research that is aimed at exploring the factors that affect evidence-based practice adoption and the studies that intend to test the effectiveness of said practices.
The mentioned components include both the investigation itself and the body of knowledge that has been formed through the investigation. Similarly, the theoretical, methodological, evaluative, and other forms of research are included in the classification.
Advanced practice nurses are instrumental in the promotion of translation science (Titler, 2014). Indeed, from my experience, nursing projects that focus, for example, on quality improvement and evidence-based practice are generally devoted to one or both of the mentioned components. My DNP project, which consists of training a correctional institution staff to be better prepared to manage the patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, can serve as an example.
Indeed, the project involves the testing of the effectiveness of the training coupled with the investigation of the process of its implementation and adjustment to the needs of the staff. It is also noteworthy that, according to Titler et al. (2014), translation science is a relatively recent field that needs the attention of nursing research in order to obtain well-established standardized terminology and concepts. Therefore, advanced practice nurses should employ their competence and research skills to contribute to the development of translation science.
References
Titler, M. G. (2014). Overview of evidence-based practice and translation science. In D. Mark, M. G. Titler & R. W. Latimer (Eds.), Integrating Evidence into Practice for Impact (pp. 269-274). Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Titler, M. G., Adams, S., & Cameron, C. (2014). Developing and evidence-informed practice. In G. LoBiondo-Wood, G. Haber, J. Cameron & M. Singh (Eds.), Nursing research in Canada (pp. 479-512). Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier Health Sciences.