OUH and KI want to target efforts towards efficient and systematic implementation of new research. High-quality research is not sufficient by itself – it is essential that new research findings are also implemented – only then can the research benefit patients.

Studies show that it takes a long time to implement new research findings, and that some research is never implemented in clinical practice. Research implementation requires the participation and understanding of multiple stakeholders and needs to be considered a natural part of the research process.

Researchers and the department management are key figures in the implementation of their own and others’ research. It is important that research results are easily accessible to researchers, department managers, and health professionals so that patient care and treatment can be evidence-based.

Besides ensuring that treatment at OUH is evidence-based, we need to make sure that implementation of new research findings is undertaken with the most efficient use of hospital resources. All completed research projects should be routinely reviewed to consider future perspectives such as commercialization, implementation, and further Development.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

Research findings will be implemented systematically and effectively to shorten the time between knowledge and practice and to ensure that the research benefits patient care.

PERFORMANCE GOALS

• By 2017: Staff can apply for funding from OUH’s Competence Development Fund for courses on research implementation.
• By 2017: At the start and completion of all research projects, the department’s research advisory group will routinely review future perspectives, such as the undertaking of a mini-HTA, commercialization, implementation, and the potential for further development.
• By 2018: The hospital management will select relevant areas of research for OUH, with a subsequent contest where one or two winners can secure additional research funding for their projects.
• By 2020: A conference will be held on the implementation of research findings.

Status

OUH, SDU and the Region of South Denmark already offer researchers a wide variety of support functions for researchers.

OPEN (Odense Patient data Explorative Network) was established as a research infrastructure to promote clinical research at OUH and KI. OPEN provides support for register-based research, randomization, and the establishment of biobanks and research databases.

OUH has also decided to make the use of the decision-support tool “mini-HTA” obligatory – for example, when applying for funds from hospital management for the introduction of (new) treatments.