Ramblings from the trenches: a clinical perspective on thanatological research.

Is thanatological research helpful in clinical practice, or do clinicians feel researchers are from some "other planet"? Written from the perspective of two practicing clinicians, this article explores the problems and potential of research to enhance clinical practice in end-of-life and bereavement care. Using a case example as a starting point, the article highlights important choice points where good research could assist the clinician. It also discusses several domains of theory and research where advances in knowledge are likely to be particularly helpful to caregivers "in the trenches." Finally, some of the barriers to dissemination of new information to practitioners are described, and suggestions for reducing these barriers are discussed.