The TRANSLATE Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the gap between research and practice in early psychosis intervention, has reached a key milestone. From March 10 to 12, 2025, the project successfully conducted focus group discussions involving a diverse range of stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, health administrators, doctors, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals.
Early intervention in psychosis is a critical yet underdeveloped aspect of mental health care in Sri Lanka. The TRANSLATE Project seeks to address this gap by implementing evidence-based strategies to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Led by Dr. Rumi Ruben, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Psychiatry Unit of the National Hospital Galle, the project is focused on ensuring that research findings translate into meaningful clinical applications.
The recently completed data collection phase marks a significant step in this process. Over three days, the project team, comprising Ms. Oshini Jayasinghe, Ms. Sameeha Jabir, Ms. Hirudimalee De Silva, and Dr. Risitha Wakishta Arachchi, engaged with key stakeholders through structured focus group discussions. These discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in psychosis care, highlighting the lived experiences of patients and caregivers as well as the perspectives of healthcare providers and policymakers.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Change
The TRANSLATE Project is conducted in collaboration with leading institutions, including the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Keele University, and Khyber Medical University.
As the implementing partner in Sri Lanka, the Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD) continues to play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and policy implementation. With nearly three decades of experience in fostering high-impact research in Sri Lanka, IRD’s involvement ensures that the findings from the TRANSLATE Project contribute to long-term systemic change.
Next Steps:
With the successful completion of the focus group discussions, the TRANSLATE Project is now moving into the next phase—analyzing the collected data to develop actionable recommendations.
As Sri Lanka takes strides toward prioritizing mental health, the TRANSLATE Project stands as a testament to the power of research-driven solutions in shaping a more inclusive and responsive healthcare landscape.
IRD Media Unit