Article Text
Abstract
Introduction The goal of diabetes translation research is to advance research into practice and ensure equitable benefit from scientific evidence. This study uses concept mapping to inform and refine future directions of diabetes translation research with the goal of achieving health equity in diabetes prevention and control.
Research design and methods This study used concept mapping and input from a national network of diabetes researchers and public health practitioners. Concept mapping is a mixed-method, participant-based process. First, participants generated statements by responding to a focus prompt (“To eliminate disparities and achieve health equity in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, research should…”). Participants then sorted statements by conceptual similarity and rated each statement on importance and feasibility (Likert scale of 1–5). A cluster map was created using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis; statements were plotted by average importance and feasibility.
Results Ten clusters were identified containing between 6 and 12 statements from 95 total generated statements. The ranges of average importance and feasibility ratings for clusters were fairly high and narrow (3.62–4.09; 3.10–3.93, respectively). Clusters with the most statements in the “go-zone” quadrant (above average importance/feasibility) were community and partner engagement (n=7), dissemination and implementation principles (n=4), and enrichment and capacity building (n=4). Clusters with the most statements in the “innovative-targets” quadrant (above average importance, below average feasibility) included next generation interventions (n=6), policy approaches (n=4), and interventions for specific populations (n=4).
Conclusions This study created a framework of 10 priority areas to guide current and future efforts in diabetes translation research to achieve health equity. Themes rated as highly important and feasible provide the basis to evaluate current research support. Future efforts should explore how to best support innovative-targets, those rated highly important but less feasible.
- translation research
- health disparities
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Footnotes
Contributors AP collected and analyzed data, drafted the manuscript, and created all tables and figures. SJ assisted with data cleaning and drafting and revising manuscript. RGT and SM provided guidance on study methods and manuscript revisions. DH-J provided overall scientific oversight and conception of project, drafted and revised manuscript. All authors interpreted results and approve the final published manuscript.
Funding This work was supported by the Washington University in St. Louis CDTR (Grant Number P30DK092950 from the NIDDK).
Disclaimer The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the CDTR or NIDDK.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
Data availability statement Data are available on reasonable request.