AO Research Institute Davos within the AO Foundation: A model for translation of science to the clinics

Abstract

The AO Research Institute Davos has the right conditions within the AO Foundation to promote success in the translation of scientific results into procedures and devices to help the patient in the following key aspects:. (1)Multidisciplinary highly motivated and focused research team in one location.(2)Accreditation of research and development processes, facility and animal care.(3)Good, strong, and well-respected surgeon network for clinical guidance (regional based).(4)A central clinical trials team with regional knowledge that can host multicenter trials and can give accreditation to hospitals.(5)Access to an experienced medical guided approval body with independent surgeons with regional representation.(6)Access to a clinical education team based on faculty development and curriculum development processes. This perspective paper attempts to describe some of the multifactorial ingredients to the success of the translation of diligent research from the AO Research Institute Davos through the AO Foundation's value chain of clinical research, surgeon-based approval bodies, and worldwide postgraduate education system back to the surgeon and ultimately the patient. © 2013.