01663nas a2200229 4500000000100000008004100001653002700042653001300069653001200082653002400094100000900118700001000127700001400137700001100151700001400162245008700176856007500263300001400338490000700352050001700359520105700376 2013 d10aTranslational research10aResearch10aleprosy10aConceptual protocol1 aRao 1 aRaju 1 aKuipers P1 aJohn A1 aSabuni LP00aA conceptual protocol for translational research in the complex reality of leprosy uhttp://www.lepra.org.uk/platforms/lepra/files/lr/June13/Lep166-174.pdf a166–1740 v84 aKUIPERS 20133 a

Summary In response to an international strategy to prioritise and focus research efforts in leprosy, this conceptual protocol outlines a research plan to address key translational research priorities. The protocol describes in broad terms a five-phase psychosocial and service-related research programme to facilitate: prevention of delay in diagnosis, improvement of adherence with multi-drug therapy, the roll out of chemoprophylaxis and increased participation in community based rehabilitation. The protocol proposes a model of research utilisation and the notion of complexity to form an integrating theoretical framework for exploring and enhancing research translation. The proposed sequential research programme is characterised by traditional and participatory strategies, culminating in participatory implementation of findings. Publication of the conceptual protocol prior to operationalisation and commencement of the research aims to encourage debate, refinement of strategies, collaboration and the optimisation of resources.