Evaluation as a Translational Resource: Bridging Social Sciences and Clinical & Translational Sciences to Advance University, Health System, and Community Initiatives

Evaluation supports the translation of knowledge into practice by systematically assessing what works, for whom, and under what conditions. It generates evidence to guide improvements, inform decision-making, and identify how programs, research studies, or interventions should be scaled. Within a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hub, evaluation is typically focused on internal evaluation and administrative functions. However, expanding evaluation to also support efforts based outside of a CTSA hub (i.e., to the larger institution and community), akin to other CTSA cores and services, can support overarching translational goals. This paper outlines the process and benefits of institutionalizing a partnership between clinical and translational science and social science to provide expertise, resulting in evaluation as a translational resource. Herein, we describe developing the Duke Office of Evaluation and Applied Research Partnership, an organizational unit that, by bridging a university's CTSA hub and interdisciplinary social science institute, expanded the scope and capacity of evaluation to advance clinical and translational science. We outline the specific activities supported by this initiative, facilitators involved in its establishment, and barriers to implementation and success. This model and lessons learned can inform broader opportunities to leverage multidisciplinary evaluation expertise to support clinical and translational science.