Team science competencies for clinical research professionals: A multileveled Delphi approach.

Area of Science:

• Clinical research
• Team science
• Professional development

Background:

• Clinical research professionals (CRPs) require specific knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined by the Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competencies Framework.
• Existing literature lacks focus on team science competencies tailored for CRPs, potentially hindering their contribution to collaborative research.
• Gaps in training and education may limit CRPs' effectiveness in team science environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define "Smart Skills" and leveled team science competencies for clinical research professionals (CRPs).
• To address the identified gap in team science training and education for CRPs.
• To enhance the JTF Domains 7 (Leadership and Professionalism) and 8 (Communication and Teamwork) within CRP training programs.

Main Methods:

• A multi-stage, modified Delphi approach was employed by a team of 18 CRPs from 7 institutions.
• The Delphi approach was used to define "Smart Skills" and leveled team science skills examples.
• Individual and team science competencies, previously identified by Lotrecchiano et al., were utilized.

Main Results:

• A total of 59 team science "Smart Skills" were identified.
• 177 skills examples were developed, categorized into fundamental, skilled, and advanced levels.
• Two illustrative vignettes were created to demonstrate the application of these skills in training.

Conclusions:

• This work presents the first application of team science competencies tailored for CRPs across their career lifecourse.
• The defined skills aim to enhance collaboration within interdisciplinary clinical research teams.
• Developing these team science skills may improve research outcomes and workforce stability for CRPs.