Open AccessResearching Together: A CTSA Partnership of Academicians and Communities for Translation
Author(s) -
Westfall John M.,
Nearing Kathryn,
Felzien Maret,
Green Larry,
Calonge Ned,
PinedaReyes Fernando,
Jones Grant,
Tamez Montelle,
Miller Sara,
Kramer Andrew
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
clinical and translational science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.303
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1752-8062
pISSN - 1752-8054
DOI - 10.1111/cts.12063
Subject(s) - general partnership , pact , rubric , public relations , community engagement , stakeholder , political science , negotiation , stakeholder engagement , sociology , pedagogy , law
Background The Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI) aims to translate discovery into clinical practice. The Partnership of Academicians and Communities for Translation (PACT) represents a robust campus–community partnership. Methods The CCTSI collected data on all PACT activities including meeting notes, staff activity logs, stakeholder surveys and interviews, and several key component in‐depth evaluations. Data analysis by Evaluation and Community Engagement Core and PACT Council members identified critical shifts that changed the trajectory of community engagement efforts. Results Ten “critical shifts” in six broad rubrics created change in the PACT. Critical shifts were decision points in the development of the PACT that represented quantitative and qualitative changes in the work and trajectory. Critical shifts occurred in PACT management and leadership, financial control and resource allocation, and membership and voice. Discussion The development of a campus–community partnership is not a smooth linear path. Incremental changes lead to major decision points that represent an opportunity for critical shifts in developmental trajectory. We provide an enlightening, yet cautionary, tale to others considering a campus–community partnership so they may prepare for crucial decisions and critical shifts. The PACT serves as a genuine foundational platform for dynamic research efforts aimed at eliminating health disparities.