Fostering translational research in chronic disease management: a logic model proposal

Translational research aims at reducing gaps between fundamental scientific discoveries and real-world applications. However, the trajectory of most scientific discoveries along the translation research continuum remains highly complex. Logic models are powerful tools that can help reduce this complexity. They are often used to lay out road maps and depict the relationship between activities and their intended effects. Few if any existing tools have been designed to guide the implementation and evaluation of collaborative models between community-based primary health care and biomedical research. To address this gap, we developed a logic model in two stages: 1) a literature review; and 2) the drafting and revision of the model by experts in the field. We describe its components, including objectives, inputs, activities, target groups, outputs, and results for a collaborative model involving fundamental biomedical research and primary health care practices. Our proposed logic model provides a road map that has the potential to reduce the complexity faced by translational research in chronic diseases by providing guidelines for decision-makers. Future work should attempt to validate the model before its broad-based implementation.