The Article in Brief

Optimizing Practice Through Research: A New Perspective To Solve an Old Problem

Thomas E. Kottke , and colleagues

Background In this essay, the authors propose 5 principles to help improve patient outcomes through research: (1) the needs of patients and populations determine the research agenda; (2) the research agenda addresses contextual and implementation issues; (3) the research agenda determines research methodologies; (4) researchers and clinicians collaborate to define the research agenda, allocate resources and implement findings; and (5) the level of funding for implementation research is equal to the task.