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. 2019 Nov 26;4(1):16-21.
doi: 10.1017/cts.2019.425. eCollection 2020 Feb.

Implementing Common Metrics across the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) consortium

Denise H Daudelin  1   2 , Laura E Peterson  1 , Lisa C Welch  1 , Redonna Chandler  3 , Mridu Pandey  1 , Farzad Noubary  1 , Philip L Lee  4 , Harry P Selker  1   2
Affiliations

Implementing Common Metrics across the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) consortium

Denise H Daudelin et al. J Clin Transl Sci. .

Abstract

The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium and the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) undertook a Common Metrics Initiative to improve research processes across the national CTSA Consortium. This was implemented by Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the 64 CTSA academic medical centers. Three metrics were collaboratively developed by NCATS staff, CTSA Consortium teams, and outside consultants for Institutional Review Board Review Duration, Careers in Clinical and Translational Research, and Pilot Award Publications and Subsequent Funding. The implementation program included training on the metric operational guidelines, data collection, data reporting system, and performance improvement framework. The implementation team provided small-group coaching and technical assistance. Collaborative learning sessions, driver diagrams, and change packages were used to disseminate best and promising practices. After 14 weeks, 84% of hubs had produced a value for one metric and about half had produced an initial improvement plan. Overall, hubs reported that the implementation activities facilitated their Common Metrics performance improvement process. Experiences implementing the first three metrics can inform future directions of the Common Metrics Initiative and other research groups implementing standardized metrics and performance improvement processes, potentially including other National Institutes of Health institutes and centers.

Keywords: CTSA; Common Metrics; Performance improvement; Results-Based Accountability; translational science.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Hub evaluation of implementation training and coaching. RBA = Results-Based Accountability.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Percent of hubs that produced a metric value by the end of the coaching period. *Optional metric; IRB = Institutional Review Board; KL2 = Career Development Award Program; TL1 = Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Program; URP = under-represented persons.
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