Lessons Learned in Evaluating the Infrastructure of a Centre for Translational Research (CTR)

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Translational Science
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Clinical and Translational Research Centers (CTRs) integrate diverse support units to advance research.
• Evaluating the collaborative function of CTR infrastructure is crucial for their success.
• Traditional evaluation methods may not fully capture the complexities of integrated research systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share lessons learned from evaluating the implementation of a CTR.
• To demonstrate the suitability of a systems thinking approach for evaluating CTRs.
• To present the rationale and application of Systems Evaluation Theory (SET) in this context.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Systems Evaluation Theory (SET) as the primary evaluation framework.
• Focused on evaluating the collaborative design and function of CTR research support units.
• Documented the application of SET and identified key lessons learned during the evaluation process.

Main Results:

• Systems Evaluation Theory (SET) proved effective for evaluating the CTR's complex infrastructure.
• The evaluation identified specific areas for improving collaborative efforts among research support units.
• Lessons learned highlight the benefits of a systems approach for actionable recommendations.

Conclusions:

• A systems approach, specifically SET, is well-suited for evaluating multifaceted CTRs.
• Upfront investment in systems evaluation yields practical recommendations for systemic improvements.
• The findings and lessons learned are transferable to similarly structured research programs worldwide.