Dissemination and implementation science resources, training, and scientific activities provided through CTSA programs nationally: Opportunities to advance D&I research and training capacity

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program hubs are well-positioned to advance dissemination and implementation (D&I) research and training capacity nationally, though little is known about what D&I research support and services CTSAs provide. To address this gap, the CTSA Dissemination, Implementation, and Knowledge Transfer Working Group conducted an environmental scan of CTSAs (2017–2018). Methods: Of 67 CTSA institutions, we contacted 43 that previously reported delivering D&I research services. D&I experts from these institutions were emailed a survey assessing D&I resources, services, training, and scientific projects. Responses were categorized and double-coded by study authors using a content analysis approach. Results: Thirty-five of the 43 D&I experts (81.4%) responded. Challenges to CTSAs in developing and supporting D&I science activities were related to inadequate D&I science workforce (45.7%) and lack of understanding of D&I science (25.7%). Services provided included consultation/mentoring programs (68%), pilot funding/grants (50%), and workshops/seminars/conferences (46%). Training and workforce development in D&I were frequently identified as future priorities. Recommendations included increase training to meet demand (68.6%), accessible D&I tools/resources (34.3%), greater visibility/awareness of D&I methods (34.3%), consultation services (22.9%), and expand D&I science workforce (22.9%). Conclusions: CTSAs have tremendous potential to support the advancement and impact of D&I science across the translational continuum. Despite the growing presence of D&I science in CTSAs, continued commitment and prioritization are needed from CTSA and institutional leadership to raise awareness of D&I science and its value, meet training demands, and develop necessary infrastructure for conducting D&I science.

Disseminating for Impact: Developing a translational dissemination curriculum for the clinical and translational research workforce

“…Translational scholars have thoughtfully outlined the central importance and requirements of D&I components within national CTSA development (Mahoney et al, 2022;Shelton et al, 2022;Mehta et al, 2021;Leppin et al, 2021). At our local NIH-NCATS funded CTSA hub, iTHRIV, we are implementing the dissemination components through the actualization and evaluation of a novel translational dissemination framework that (1) expands products of impact through the TSBM model to include a very broad view of dissemination activities that impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, (2) integrates methodological approaches central to engagement sciences.…”

“…For nearly twenty years the fields of dissemination and implementation (D&I) have developed within the translational sciences domain to extend basic, clinical, and public health research findings to practice to achieve improved health outcomes for both individuals and populations (Viglione et al, 2023). D&I work seeks to foster eventual clinical implementation of tailored and efficacious interventions in real-world environments, make advancements in public health infrastructure, and translate research findings to inform policy (Shelton et al, 2022). D&I approaches have epistemological underpinnings of pragmatism, supporting the understanding of the essential nature of the underlying complexity of people, communities, and systems in disseminating, adopting, and sustaining interventions within real-world settings and contexts (Mehta et al, 2021;Aves et al, 2017).…”

“…NCATS defines translation broadly as the process of turning observations into interventions that are adopted and sustained to improve health (Mehta et al, 2021). CTSAs fund translational research infrastructures in over sixty academic medical research centers and enable multidisciplinary investigators to (1) facilitate translational research and training across the translational continuum (e.g., basic, clinical, population sciences); (2) provide training to facilitate workforce development, and (3) develop, demonstrate, and disseminate effective research tools and solutions to overcome translational roadblocks (Shelton et al, 2022). The end goal of D&I integration is to ultimately improve the quality and impact of translational research to improve the health of individuals and communities (Mahoney et al, 2022).…”

“…Previous scholars have developed core D&I domains for education and integration, particularly for use within the CTSA context and environment (Mahoney et al, 2022;Shelton et al, 2022;Mehta et al, 2021;Leppin et al, 2021) We propose building on previous work to further develop these educational opportunities through a novel translational dissemination framework to guide the development of an educational curriculum for the clinical research workforce. The translational dissemination framework requires more broadly defining scientific activities that lead to impact in the health of individuals and communities.…”

Dissemination and implementation science resources, training, and scientific activities provided through CTSA programs nationally: Opportunities to advance D&I research and training capacity – ADDENDUM

“…The above article [1] published without Jonathan N. Tobin's middle initial and without his ORCID ID.…”