Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42761975›Full record

SynthesisSaudi medical journal2026

From Bench to Bedside: Evolving Definitions of Translational Research.

Hana A Alhumud, Fars K Alanazi, Edward B DeVol

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Saudi medical journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Hana A AlhumudDepartment of Research and Innovation Impact Measurement, Saudi National Institute of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.ORCID 0000-0002-0757-3245
Fars K AlanaziSaudi National Institute of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Edward B DeVolDepartment of Research and Innovation Impact Measurement, Saudi National Institute of Health, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize current evidence on the evolution, frameworks, and methodological approaches used to define and operationalize translational research, which serves as a bridge between scientific discovery and its application in clinical medicine, public health, and policy. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies published up to 2023. Search terms combined translational research-related keywords (such as "bench-to-bedside," "implementation science," "precision medicine") and relevant MeSH terms. Eligible studies focused on conceptual models, frameworks, or methodological approaches related to translational research and were published in English. After duplicate removal and PRISMA-guided screening, 33 publications were included. Data extraction captured publication characteristics, framework type, thematic focus, and translational stage classification (T0-T4). Findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Included studies represented diverse disciplines such as biomedical sciences, public health, nursing, informatics, and social sciences. Four definitional frameworks were identified: NCATS, Harvard, Khoury, and Wichman et al. The NCATS model was most prevalent (n = 28), spanning all translational stages (T0-T4), whereas the other frameworks emphasized later-stage translation (T3-T4) including implementation, quality improvement, and community engagement. Analysis of translational stages revealed a shift toward applied phases (T3-T4), reflecting increased focus on real-world implementation, health equity, and population-level impact. Conclusion: Contemporary translational research demonstrates a transition from linear "bench-to-bedside" models to interdisciplinary, system-level approaches that integrate ethics, collaboration, and community engagement. Persistent challenges include conceptual inconsistency, methodological heterogeneity, and infrastructure needs. Advancing the field will require standardized frameworks, investment in training, and enhanced cross-sector collaboration to support effective translation from discovery to population health outcomes.

Indexed as

Translational Research, BiomedicalHumansBibliometric analysisG20 countriesResearch productivityTranslational research

Identifiers

PMID42761975
PMCPMC13588309

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.