Bootstrapping implementation research training: A successful approach for academic health centers

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Translational Science

Background:

• The demand for implementation research (IR) expertise exceeds the availability of formal training programs.
• A paradigm shift is needed to address this gap in capacity building.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel training program to build implementation research capacity.
• To leverage external resources and create a sustainable IR training model within the Clinical & Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) network.

Main Methods:

• A 2-day workshop was designed for faculty scientists across four Texas CTSAs.
• The training integrated internal/external expertise, national IR competencies, NIH/NCI OpenAccess resources, and adult learning principles.
• Impact was measured through evaluation and tracking of statewide initiatives.

Main Results:

• The training led to increased self-reported implementation research competencies among participants.
• The initiative facilitated the expansion of statewide implementation research activities.
• Successful de novo capacity building was achieved despite limited initial onsite expertise.

Conclusions:

• A bootstrap approach effectively built implementation research capacity within the CTSA community.
• Leveraging external resources and established competencies can overcome limitations in local expertise.
• This model demonstrates a viable strategy for scalable implementation research training.