Preparing Practice Scholars: What is the Role of the DNP in Translational Research and Implementation Science?

The goal of translating biomedical evidence into patient-sensitive outcomes has met with two interrelated barriers to practice.  These barriers are the translation of a body of research evidence into a rigorous systematic state of the science presentation and the implementation of engaging relevant stakeholders for action-based learning.  These barriers do not receive focused attention in the current curriculum of health professional’s education.  Accelerating the pace of patient-sensitive outcomes research requires a model of clinical education such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 

DNP curriculum clearly establishes the expectation that graduates will serve as clinical leaders in translational research and implementation science.  As leaders of nursing profession, the DNP role will require training in research designs that are participatory, iterative, and adaptive.  Therefore, the DNP curriculum must train clinician-investigators who are able to (1) understand organizations as complex adaptive systems, (2) engage team members in collaborative learning communities, and (3) facilitate the process of successful iteration, adaptation, and continued discovery.  These roles require training to understand relevant patterns of thought and behavior; to constructively move between the perspectives of a diverse group of stakeholders; to shift workplace cultures to solutions-oriented beliefs and actions. 

Graduates of any DNP program should be prepared to act as catalysts for change; assume primary roles for linking academic research and clinical practice for patient-sensitive outcomes research.  This presentation will demonstrate how the capstone project of a DNP curriculum should provide the graduate with a foundation as a clinical-investigator.  Furthermore, the capstone project should set the stage for a broader, sustained program of research in a chosen field of practice.  This presentation will offer case studies of translational and implementation research projects, discuss the necessary skill set required for each, and provide relevant resources for faculty.