Evaluating systemic changes to support clinical and translational health research

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Translational Science
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Traditional program evaluation methods are often insufficient for complex, systems-level interventions.
• Evaluating large, interwoven systems requires adaptive and nuanced approaches.
• The Advance-CTR program aimed to enhance statewide clinical and translational research infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Advance-CTR program on systemic changes in clinical and translational research infrastructure.
• To identify perceived barriers and facilitators to systemic research enhancement.
• To assess the degree and effects of system changes attributable to Advance-CTR.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data collection from program investigators, awardees, and advisory committee members.
• Analysis of perceived barriers to systemic research enhancement.
• Examination of system changes, their extent, and effects.
• Application of causal logic to link program services to systemic outcomes.

Main Results:

• Advance-CTR has influenced systemic changes to enhance research infrastructure.
• Investigator feedback identified specific barriers and facilitators to system-level improvements.
• The program contributed to the development of sustainable research programs.
• Positive effects on researchers and their environments were observed.

Conclusions:

• Complex systems-based programs like Advance-CTR can drive significant improvements in research infrastructure.
• Qualitative evaluation methods are crucial for understanding the impact of large-scale health research initiatives.
• Advance-CTR contributes to building sustainable research capacity and improving public health.