Table 1.

Recommendations for effective integration of dissemination and implementation (D&I) sciences in Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) programs

Methods and processes
Develop standard expectations and processes for incorporating D&I1 expertise and perspectives in CTSA2 hub leadership and in key initiatives, methods, and processes.
Advance understanding of different models of D&I1 cores and other infrastructures for CTSAs2, and methods for collaboration and coordination across centers, including guidance from NCATS3 for incorporation into renewal proposals.
Increase involvement of D&I1 experts on cross-CTSA initiatives and working groups central to methods and processes, including topics from which they have traditionally been excluded, including clinical trial study design and the responsible conduct of research.
Identify methods by which D&I1 sciences can enhance sharing of best practices and programs between CTSA2 hubs to promote cross-hub adoption of CTSA2 innovations.
Support and track translation of a broader range of innovations into practice, for example, the spread and use of important innovations with high potential for health impact but low market potential.
Evaluation
Develop a set of D&I1 competencies for early-stage translational researchers.
Develop D&I1 sciences training curriculum for K-scholars, postdoctoral students in translational sciences, doctoral students, and master’s level students.
Identify and catalog novel methods to expand the workforce of D&I1 mentors, consultants, and collaborators.
Develop the set of core D&I1 competencies to assist partners to engage as scientists, stakeholders, and users of science
Evaluation
Develop novel measures and methods of assessing progress in D&I1 advancement and impact within CTSAs2, including assessments of faculty D&I1 competency, training opportunities and quality, infrastructural and mentorship capacity, methodological alignment with D&I1 principles, and translational success.
Establish NCATS-coordinated effort to recruit and train D&I1 experts to evaluate CTSAs2 with the use of a standardized rubric and approach and a corresponding expectation that D&I1 experts should be systematically incorporated into External Advisory Committees and funding review panels
Identify standards for the evaluation of impact resulting from translation of research into practice.

¹ D&I: dissemination and implementation

² CTSA: Clinical and Translational Science Award

³ NCATS: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences