The overall discussions strongly support the idea that there is a substantial delay—averaging around 17 years—in translating research into practice, with posts referencing specific studies, such as Morris et al. (2011), and emphasizing the urgency to address the research-practice gap. The tone and word choice—like ‘slow,’ ‘slowly,’ and ‘limiting’—convey concern and the need for reform, reflecting high engagement and perceived impact on healthcare development and policy.
AgreementStrong agreement
Most posts acknowledge the 17-year time lag as a well-established and important finding, reflecting support for the article's conclusions.
InterestHigh interest
There is high curiosity and concern about how long research takes to impact practice, showing active interest in improving this delay.
EngagementHigh engagement
Discussions include referencing specific studies, implications for patient care, and suggestions for speeding up translation, indicating deep engagement.
ImpactHigh impact
Several posts highlight the significant implications of this lag, emphasizing the need for better processes and acknowledging the potential for policy and practice reform.
Abstract in brief
The study reviewed 23 papers on time delays in translating health research into actual interventions, but found that different studies use varied methods making comparisons difficult.
Currently, knowledge about these time lags is limited and not very helpful for researchers and policymakers trying to speed up the process, which can lead to wasted efforts and poor investment decisions.
To improve understanding, the study suggests first creating standardized models, definitions, and measures, followed by developing a practical process to collect consistent data on research translation timelines.]
Aug 21, 2021 · 12 likes · 2 shares · 5,846 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
@smithECGBlog @travellator3 @PendellM This study suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant information to reach the patient.
https://t.co/hzsIi06ADy
Oct 9, 2024 · 10 likes · 5 shares · 28,379 followersView post →
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Jessica Schleider, PhD
@JSchleiderPhD · X
*Reference List*
https://t.co/ath0fhPiOT
Nov 27, 2020 · 10 likes · 27,844 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
Here is the original article from 13 years ago that it can take 17 years for 14% of the information to make it to the patient. Only four years to go if we stick with the current KT model. https://t.co/uvaIh2N5Cr
@FutureDocs @jeffreylinder @abbyWUim @SocietyGIM Because of the knowledge translation (KT) gap. it can take 17 years for 14% of high-quality, clinically relevant information to reach the patient. Patients deserve the best care, based on the best evidence.
https://t.co/hzsIi062O0 @NightShiftMD @SAEMEBM https://t.co/JGhB3pD7is
Feb 10, 2021 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 28,379 followersView post →
Ovarian cysts are among the most common reasons for gynecological consultations, examinations, and surgeries. However, the existence of ovarian cysts as a medical entity is often misunderstood. This video explains the…
This video reviews 23 studies on delays in translating health research into practice, highlighting the need for standardized measures to better understand and reduce these time lags, ultimately improving research…
@StinkRatsCharms 17 years. So I guess by 2038 everything will be just peachy for everyone who hasn't died by then! Then all they'll have to worry about is climate change! https://t.co/PG3Czs7jOo
Oct 20, 2025 · 1 like · 2,107 followersView post →
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Devora Buechler
@Micheal2055288 · X
@gbunny @Blindspots1983 @sarahdespres @LeaderJohnThune @SecKennedy This paper in open access, and it has a few sources (not only based on implementation science): https://t.co/BkQ0rdFxsl
In any case, the exact number of years isn't critical here. The point is that it can take a long time for published research to affect clinical practice. https://t.co/ZGjU7ogiGL
@Charlene_Mattie @kenjaques @SAEMEBM @SAEMonline @AcademicEmerMed The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research
https://t.co/hzsIi06ADy
@Charlene_Mattie @kenjaques @SAEMEBM @SAEMonline @AcademicEmerMed The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research
https://t.co/hzsIi062O0
La #precuela 20:
Morris ZS, Wooding S, Grant J. The answer is 17 years, what is the question: Understanding time lags in translational research. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2011;104(12):510–20.
Biomedical research - ON AVERAGE - takes about 17 years to move from bench (laboratory experiments of new knowledge) to bedside (used by recommendation in the clinic). See the meta-analysis below for detail. 5/
https://t.co/G2YamcPkkE
@Priceless20201 @EnemyInAState 12 years; Apparently the research-practice gap means it takes about an average 17 years for research to be widely used in healthcare practice, so we should expect decent C19 treatment and understanding by 2037 at the earliest! https://t.co/PG3Czs6LYQ
@hollystortholme @CounsellingSam Apparently the research-practice gap means it takes about an average 17 years for research to be widely used in healthcare practice, so we should expect decent C19 treatment and understanding by 2037 at the earliest!
https://t.co/PG3Czs6LYQ
RT @TheSGEM: @smithECGBlog @travellator3 @PendellM This study suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant inform…
Oct 11, 2024 · 5 shares · 860 followersView post →
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Dennis Ren
@DennisRenMD · X
RT @TheSGEM: @smithECGBlog @travellator3 @PendellM This study suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant inform…
Oct 10, 2024 · 5 shares · 553 followersView post →
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Joshua Kimbrell
@joshkimbre · X
RT @TheSGEM: @smithECGBlog @travellator3 @PendellM This study suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant inform…
Oct 10, 2024 · 5 shares · 1,612 followersView post →
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Thomas Shanahan (Dr.) MRCEM
@clifford0584 · X
RT @TheSGEM: @smithECGBlog @travellator3 @PendellM This study suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant inform…
Oct 9, 2024 · 5 shares · 6,039 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
@smithECGBlog @travellator3 @PendellM This study suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant information to reach the patient.
https://t.co/hzsIi06ADy
Oct 9, 2024 · 10 likes · 5 shares · 28,379 followersView post →
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Lily Nichols, RDN
@LilyNicholsRDN · X
How long does it take for new research to make it into clinical practice?
17 years.
Don't believe me? Read this:
https://t.co/MeW0EnrDZO
@marcfavell @HarrySpoelstra @SammieFMc @SGriffin_Lab @BinitaKane @HelenMMGoss @DrMark_Faghy @Sunny_Rae1 17 years is what I've found (But that's an average, if governments notice the problem sooner, we might get results sooner):
https://t.co/PG3Czs6LYQ
@pgoodfellow @cdtwriter @NateB_Panic We need to prepare for the long haul, the research-practice gap means it takes about an average of 17 years for research to be widely used in healthcare practice, so I'd guess the end of denial will arrive around 2040ish?
https://t.co/PG3Czs6LYQ
@CovidSolidarit1 Apparently the research-practice gap means it takes about an average of 17 years for research to be widely used in healthcare practice, so I'd guess the end of denial will arrive around 2040ish? https://t.co/PG3Czs6LYQ
@MarcusFitzsimon Apparently the research-practice gap means it takes about an average 17 years for research to be widely used in healthcare practice, so we should expect decent C19 treatment and understanding by 2037 at the earliest!
https://t.co/PG3Czs7jOo
It takes an average of 17 years to translate basic research findings into routine practice in the health sciences.
Wondering how long it takes in the social sciences?
https://t.co/99KC0ZJo3P
The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research - Zoë Slote Morris, Steven Wooding, Jonathan Grant, 2011 https://t.co/MTdbW76G9Z
@pash22 @deb_cohen @annieg76 @mgtmccartney @susan_bewley @jimgthornton @Liz_ORiordan @AnniceMukherjee @ProfJoyceHarper @PharmRJ @ProfRobHoward @seb_walsh @ajlees @LonSchneiderMD @EWidera It's the question that drives us...
Question: How long does knowledge translation take?
Answer: 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant information to reach patients.
https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT https://t.co/N2EffV38VE
Mar 20, 2024 · 2 likes · 28,379 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
The answer based on this 2011 study was 17 years for knowledge translation in medicine. That was only for 14% of the high-quality, clinically relevant information.
https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT
SGEM Xtra Matrix Episode: SoMe for KT
https://t.co/nrFGF6Fwv9 https://t.co/effZ8hxzkT
Mar 20, 2024 · 3 likes · 28,379 followersView post →
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devra joy sheldon
@devrajoyPT · X
@PTPintcast https://t.co/DqS49jkZHB
Jan 29, 2024 · 5 likes · 1,870 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
@AdamDiscovers @kushogqueen @ghost_gurney @alandrummond2 @MaryFernando_ @CAEP_Docs @SRPCanada @DrLKVaughan @NightShiftMD @CanadianKayMD @TrevorJain @snewbery1 @AshleyFoxRPN @DrSimonMc I know in medicine there is a knowledge translation gap and it has been estimated it can take 17 years for 14% of high-quality evidence to reach the patient. To support that statement I provide this as evidence for my position. https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT
@MaryFernando_ @raghu_venugopal @CAEP_Docs @alandrummond2 Thank you @MaryFernando_ @alandrummond2 @raghu_venugopal @TrevorJain and all the others who have been advocating for years.
We know that there is a knowledge translation gap.
It can take 17 years for 14% of high-quality info to reach the patient :(
https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT https://t.co/fMfCD6vy6e
Jan 16, 2024 · 1 like · 28,379 followersView post →
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SOGAFI
@sogafi_galicia · X
@lcarballo_costa @aefisio Hola Lidia! Moitas grazas polas tuas verbas. Hai varias fontes sobre o dato, as máis importantes son as que sinalan vías de solución:
https://t.co/BerJoxKwjo
Oct 22, 2023 · 1 like · 1,002 followersView post →
@ArtDuCombat @michelseydur @thinkin_mkdeabh @GeekNfit @PierreElieB @Leya_MK @KineMeuh @BhengHeng @g_deville_kine @G_Rousson @NicolasAdenis De plus, le transfert dans la pratique d'une nouvelle connaissance prend du temps, mais ça dépend de pas mal de choses
Le Covid est une turbo exception parce qu'il y a eu une focalisation de TOUS sur 1 sujet, mais ça peut prendre bcp plus ... 2/2
https://t.co/N6l13S9pRm
Aug 28, 2023 · 4 likes · 1,037 followersView post →
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Andrew Hines
@a5hines · X
The care you're getting today is 17 years old
17 years
https://t.co/Z6Lc6HZ8jJ
@reverendofdoubt The leaky pipe model. It can take 17 yrs to get high-quality, clinically relevant information to the patient.
https://t.co/hzsIi062O0 https://t.co/PUexfrnxHT
@Hamishmcmack @NightShiftMD @SAEMEBM @JonathanEdlow @PeterJohns84 @emlitofnote @KirstyChallen @AcademicEmerMed @EmergencyDocs @emergmedottawa The majority of things in medicine can take >10yrs to be widely adopted into practice according to this publication.
https://t.co/hzsIi062O0
May 20, 2023 · 1 like · 28,379 followersView post →
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Lucja(n) Kifer
@kifer_lucja · X
@Laskowskak654 @PKitaDziedzic Średnio 17 lat zajmuje, aby najnowsze odkrycia medyczne trafiły do gabinetu waszego lekarza. – Źródło: J R Soc Med. 2011 Dec;104(12):510-20. The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research
https://t.co/td3kMJcQzp
@Miszel1906 @NonPossumus Średnio 17 lat zajmuje, aby najnowsze odkrycia medyczne trafiły do gabinetu waszego lekarza. – Źródło: J R Soc Med. 2011 Dec;104(12):510-20. The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research
https://t.co/td3kMJcQzp
Here is the original article from 13 years ago that it can take 17 years for 14% of the information to make it to the patient. Only four years to go if we stick with the current KT model. https://t.co/uvaIh2N5Cr
@yvonnezlam Oh this is very interesting, thank you!
Found some tidbits from the original linked study (from 2011!) and it seems like there's still a lot of opportunity to even improve how often & how well we measure the lags from research -> implementation
https://t.co/6R35K7Fr94 https://t.co/AOvrn1Gdh3
Quelle:
Morris ZS, Wooding S, Grant J. The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research. J R Soc Med. 2011;104(12):510-520. doi:10.1258/jrsm.2011.110180 https://t.co/BdQrV34rPQ
@gasbagheera @SAEMEBM @AcademicEmerMed Here is the reference for the 17 years and 14% claim. https://t.co/hzsIi062O0
Jan 17, 2022 · 2 likes · 28,379 followersView post →
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Ashok Kuppusamy
@ashokk · X
I’ve heard the lag between rigorous, accepted research and patient care is 17 years! https://t.co/tGmf6xDjWC If true, some obvious implications: 1) tremendous opportunity for ML/AI to assist doctors and 2) your doctor probably not up-to-date on the latest evidence-based care
@ProfPaulRalph 2. I often mention the standard estimate for translating medical research to clinical practice (17 years), but there are issues with how we estimate this number (see https://t.co/Q0TrWUwhFi).
RT @TheSGEM: @FutureDocs @jeffreylinder @abbyWUim @SocietyGIM Because of the knowledge translation (KT) gap. it can take 17 years for 14% o…
Feb 10, 2021 · 2 shares · 218 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
@FutureDocs @jeffreylinder @abbyWUim @SocietyGIM Because of the knowledge translation (KT) gap. it can take 17 years for 14% of high-quality, clinically relevant information to reach the patient. Patients deserve the best care, based on the best evidence.
https://t.co/hzsIi062O0 @NightShiftMD @SAEMEBM https://t.co/JGhB3pD7is
Feb 10, 2021 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 28,379 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
@nate_friedman @KirstyChallen @SAEMonline @AcademicEmerMed @LWestafer @AliRaja_MD @meganranney @First10EM @the_TOTAL_EM KT - Knowledge translation
We have evidence that it can take >10 years for high-quality, clinically relevant information to reach the patient.
https://t.co/hzsIi062O0
Dec 13, 2020 · 2 likes · 28,379 followersView post →
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Jessica Schleider, PhD
@JSchleiderPhD · X
*Reference List*
https://t.co/ath0fhPiOT
Nov 27, 2020 · 10 likes · 27,844 followersView post →
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Ken Jaques (Jakes)
@kenjaques · X
RT @TheSGEM: @kenjaques @LogicofScience @SAEMEBM I like the quote from Dr. Jackson.
Data from 2011 suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of…
Aug 31, 2020 · 1 share · 17,105 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
@kenjaques @LogicofScience @SAEMEBM I like the quote from Dr. Jackson.
Data from 2011 suggests it takes 17 years for 14% of high-quality evidence to reach the patient.
https://t.co/hzsIi062O0
Aug 31, 2020 · 3 likes · 1 share · 28,379 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
We know from other research there is a knowledge translation (KT) gap.
It can take 17 years for 14% of high-quality, clinically relevant information to reach the patient.
This is too long
Patients deserve the best care, based on the best evidence
https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT https://t.co/MEkyvuEPDE
Good title. From 2011. This paper should have impact within 8 years. https://t.co/CRtkC7vnof https://t.co/JJYL36jN2Z
Jun 7, 2020 · 13 likes · 3 shares · 109,425 followersView post →
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Antonio De Fano
@AntonioDeFano1 · X
Nel campo della salute, tra la pubblicazione di un risultato scientifico e la sua messa in pratica trascorrono 17 anni. Un gap che limita molto lo sviluppo della società, nella sua totalità.
https://t.co/mPGwif4yNd
@jkimb57 @embasic @hp_ems @EMS1 @EMSBlogs @EMSTODAY @EMSWorldFans @the_TOTAL_EM @EMO_Daddy @SAEMEBM @emergmedottawa It has been documented that it takes >10 (17 years for 14%) of the evidence to reach the patient.
https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT https://t.co/YPmr3YAGSw
@and_kell Everyone will have a different tolerance for what’s too long. Teaching knowledge translation the 5yrs doesn’t seem long. It can take 17 years for 14% of high-quality clinically relevant info to reach the patient. I’m trying to cut the KT gap with #SoMe https://t.co/hzsIi062O0
Feb 27, 2020 · 1 like · 28,379 followersView post →
@med1cinewoman @EpigeneticWhisp @uTobian @NEOrganics @NightShiftMD @lovereignssupr1 @DrKND @va_shiva @lifebiomedguru @AgeofAutism @epochchanger @kenjaques @safe_effective @LotusOak2 Taking a long time to change practice is not unusual in medicine. We refer to this difficulty as the knowledge translation (KT) gap. It has been documented to take 17 years for high-quality, clinically relevant information to reach the patients' bedside. https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT
Feb 17, 2020 · 2 likes · 1 share · 28,379 followersView post →
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Ted Kyle
@ConscienHealth · X
@DawnaMughalPhD @drbutsch @DrRobertKushner @GabeSmolarz @STOPObesity Translation of medical innovation into practice is slow. Maddeningly slow. https://t.co/ypDUHVWk6R
Feb 3, 2020 · 4 likes · 11,484 followersView post →
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Dr Aideen Maguire
@Aideen_QUB · X
Translating scientific discoveries into patient benefit takes 17 years!!
**Seems about right**
But how on earth does that fit into a REF cycle?
#loveResearch
#timelyResearch
#policyrelevantResearch
#impactfulResearch
https://t.co/bWPSkazr8L
Jan 28, 2020 · 5 likes · 1 share · 632 followersView post →
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Dr Duleeka Knipe
@Dee_Knipe · X
@rob_sams @Mental_Elf @EverymindAU @AndreaPugh1 @gracecr8tive Someone else asked this too and the answer: https://t.co/SfhA8SHRLD…
RT @Mental_Elf: @RoseAnnieFlo @Dee_Knipe Lots of studies looking at gap btwn health research & practice. Good place to start: https://t.co/…
Jan 27, 2020 · 1 share · 4,632 followersView post →
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The Mental Elf
@Mental_Elf · X
@RoseAnnieFlo @Dee_Knipe Lots of studies looking at gap btwn health research & practice. Good place to start: https://t.co/myU3Ee8UYk
Re: impact of @NICEComms guidelines, there's this mental health 'impact' report: https://t.co/v2NeFV6Ono Personally, I wouldn't call this strong evidence of impact.
Jan 27, 2020 · 1 like · 1 share · 98,511 followersView post →
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Ken Milne MD
@TheSGEM · X
@HomegrownJoan @kenjaques @CaulfieldTim @MareadelPortill @OslerHealth @DocMCohen @DrPChouinard @crackedscience @BernieGarrett @jonathanstea @StanKutcher @picardonhealth @GidMK @McGillOSS @FionaMattatall Forgot to include the reference. The actual number is 17 years for 14% of the information. Regardless of the actual number it is far too long. https://t.co/uvaIh2MxMT
Jan 21, 2020 · 1 like · 28,379 followersView post →
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Haxby Abbott
@Haxby_Abbott · X
@bjweiner @ImpSciUW Can #impsci come up with an updated credible, well-defined, systematically researched figure?
https://t.co/dJFsa9pL0E
Oct 21, 2019 · 3 likes · 1,633 followersView post →
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Sabine Buroh @burohfreiburg@openbiblio.social
@burohfreiburg · X
RT @ilk21: 17 year lag #iclc19 https://t.co/p7KdD4ZW6o
@EMARIANOMD @docmorne @SteveBruce @sanjibadhikary @claralexlobo @Dr_NilarMyint @jeffgadsden @GottumukVijaya @RFAnaesthesia @kaohesham @amit_pawa @nelkassabany @LloydTurbitt @elboghdadly Some evaluations show that it can take up to 17 years for new Best Practices and new research to translate to clinical medicine! So the papers you publish now might not become standard practice until 2036!!! #translationalresearch
https://t.co/77pU7iVtUc
For anyone who ever wondered where that "17 years" for innovation and research evidence to reach clinical practice, you're welcome! #translationalresearch #RSMDigiHealth #needtodobetter
https://t.co/LlPmlYLGQO
@GatewayMedic @JRossfamilymed @RobinSaunders51 @adriandix @jjhorgan @HealthMatchBC @UBCDFP Here's the source for future reference. Love using that stat. Morris, Z. S., Wooding, S., & Grant, J. (2011). The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 104(12) https://t.co/wObGwaiG3R
@DrPoorman Whaaaat?! I always thought it was 7 years, so thx for sharing this.
I'll share a similar policy factoid in return :)
It takes on avg 17 years for research knowledge to become policy/practice.
https://t.co/YLJf5TJiS3
Shocked by hearing this statistic via @nphillipsca : only 15% of science makes it into practice, and it takes on average 17 years between. Found a reference as well: https://t.co/rU7BAFyXlc
... 10.1258/jrsm. 2011.110180). One way to accelerate this process is to offer your discoveries as a commercial product – and that is what we have now done. At ...
Building a Safer Blood Supply | Clinical Lab Products
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2011;104(12):510–520; doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2011.110180. Carson JL, Grossman BJ, Kleinman S, et al. Red blood cell transfusion: a clinical practice guideline ...
Implementation Science in Paediatric Intensive Care - Don't Forget ...
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doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2011.110180. 15. Bauer MS, Damschroder L, Hagedorn H, et al. An introduction to implementation science for the non-specialist. BMC ...
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