Adaptive capacity and preparedness of Clinical and Translational Science Award Program hubs: Overview of an environmental scan

Abstract

The ability of research networks and individual institutions to effectively and efficiently prepare, respond, and adapt to emergent challenges is essential for the biomedical research enterprise. At the beginning of 2021, a special Working Group was formed by individuals in the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) consortium and approved by the CTSA Steering Committee to explore "Adaptive Capacity and Preparedness (AC&P) of CTSA Hubs." The AC&P Working Group took a pragmatic Environmental Scan (E-Scan) approach of utilizing the diverse data that had been collected through existing mechanisms. The Local Adaptive Capacity framework was adapted to illustrate the interconnectedness of CTSA programs and services, while exposing how the demands of the pandemic forced them to quickly pivot and adapt. This paper presents a synopsis of the themes and lessons learned that emerged from individual sections of the E-Scan. Lessons learned from this study may improve our understanding of adaptive capacity and preparedness at different levels, as well as help strengthen the core service models, strategies, and foster innovation in clinical and translational science research.

Keywords: Clinical and Translational Science Award Program; Clinical and translational research; adaptive capacity; emergency preparedness; environmental scan.

Fig. 1.

NCATS CTSA Program: national network of medical research institutions (star) and partners (•). Source: Kurilla, M. Clinical Science and COVID-19. Lecture presented at: MEDI 502 - Translational Science in the COVID-19 Pandemic - Accelerating and Enhancing our Response across Preclinical, Clinical and Population Health Research, 2021 Fall Term II, NCATS.

Fig. 2.

Local adaptive capacity of CTSA hubs.