Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (Apr 2024)

521 Bringing UCSF Research Resources to Community Health Systems: CTSI Research Infrastructure Network (RIN)

  • Laurie Herraiz,
  • Michael Potter

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2024.444
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8
pp. 155 – 155

Abstract

Read online

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The CTSI Research Infrastructure Network (RIN) expands CTSI’s reach into the regional health systems to provide our services to a broad and diverse translational science community. We create and support research collaborations that span multiple geographies and patient populations and serve as a bridge between the affiliate sites and CTSI programs. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted needs assessments at each site (n=6) via in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Informants (n=40) included investigators, study personnel, and research administrators. Investigators were selected across a variety of departments and career stages. Interview transcripts and notes were analyzed using matrix-based qualitative methods to identify both the common and unique research infrastructure needs of each site. Individualized support plans were shared with each site and a comprehensive summary report was presented to CTSI leadership. RIN met with UCSF’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, which conducts clinical trials at 2 sites, to coordinator our effort and services. When possible, RIN addressed service requests in real time that arose during interviews. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We identified heterogeneous needs across multiple sites. However, among the community health systems with non-academic clinicians, there were common needs for research training, consultations in biostatistics/study design, and finding academic collaborators. The needs of sites with UCSF academic faculty differed from those of community sites and mainly included improved awareness and access to CTSI programs, ease of use of data extraction services, training programs, and assistance with regulatory approvals. Site needs are best addressed with individual plans created with CTSI Program leaders. A developing governance structure will include representation on a CTSI advisory committee and an annual conference to facilitate the sharing of best practices and foster collaboration across member sites. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Providing an individualized, site-specific approach to expanding CTSI services to regional health systems, will increase research collaborations across Northern California through building relationships, addressing unique infrastructure needs and sharing best practices throughout the network.