Evolution of Multidisciplinary Translational Teams (MTTs): Insights for Accelerating Translational Innovations

Abstract

There is growing consensus about the factors critical for development and productivity of multidisciplinary teams, but few studies have evaluated their longitudinal changes. We present a longitudinal study of 10 multidisciplinary translational teams (MTTs), based on team process and outcome measures, evaluated before and after 3 years of CTSA collaboration. Using a mixed methods approach, an expert panel of five judges (familiar with the progress of the teams) independently rated team performance based on four process and four outcome measures, and achieved a rating consensus. Although all teams made progress in translational domains, other process and outcome measures were highly variable. The trajectory profiles identified four categories of team performance. Objective bibliometric analysis of CTSA-supported MTTs with positive growth in process scores showed that these teams tended to have enhanced scientific outcomes and published in new scientific domains, indicating the conduct of innovative science. Case exemplars revealed that MTTs that experienced growth in both process and outcome evaluative criteria also experienced greater innovation, defined as publications in different areas of science. Of the eight evaluative criteria, leadership-related behaviors were the most resistant to the interventions introduced. Well-managed MTTs demonstrate objective productivity and facilitate innovation.

Keywords: multidisciplinary teams; team evolution; translational research.

Figure 1

Bar charts showing how each of the 10 MTTs changed based on eight consensus scores (four process and four outcome represented on the horizontal axis), from 2011 (blue bars) to 2013 (red bars). VC = vision, charter, goals; TL = transformative and empowered leadership; MM = meeting management/coordination; EC = external communication/collaboration; RP = research plan; RG = research generation; RC = research communication/program growth; PT = progress across translational domains.

Figure 2

Sorted heatmaps showing the eight consensus scores (four process and four outcome) of 10 MTTs in (A) 2011, (B) 2013, and (C) the change in scores between 2011 and 2013. The sorted heatmaps revealed four categories of change across the MTTs. See Case Studies and Table 1 for additional details.

Figure 3

Radar graphs depicting eight team variables (four outcome and four process) of four exemplar teams. Axes represent four research output factors and four team process factors. Outcomes are (clockwise from 10 o'clock) PROCESS: EC = external communication/collaboration; MM = meeting management; TL = transformative leadership; VC = vision and charter; RESEARCH: PT = progress in translation; RC = research communication and program growth; RG = research generation; RP = research plan. For other details, see Table  1. Data from 2011 are shown in yellow and data from 2013 are shown in purple. Areas of overlap, which represent outcomes that have been maintained or improved in 2013 versus 2011, are shown in magenta.