Moving Toward a Three-Way Intersection in Translational Research: A Sociological Perspective

Conventionally, the definition of translational research describes a two-way process of translation from the “bench” to the “bedside” and the “bedside” to the “bench.” In this article, however, I suggest that those at the bottom (i.e., the clinicians) are likely to pay more attention to what those at the top (i.e., the scientists) say than vice versa. I argue that the experience of the patient, omitted from consideration, has much to add to the understanding of both clinicians and scientists. In this address I recommend using qualitative research to give voice to the experience of patients. I use examples from my own research with older widows to demonstrate its usefulness.