CTSA Corner

Evaluation in CTSA 4.0

The CTSA 4.0 UF-FSU Evaluation Team launched in January 2026 with the goal of creating a more integrated and coordinated approach to evaluation across UF and FSU. The team includes expertise in social science, education, information management, and quantitative and qualitative evaluation and research. The combination of new members with new perspectives and members with long-term knowledge of the CTSA and its different elements is helping the team build a stronger, more connected approach to understanding progress and impact across CTSA 4.0. 

How CTSA Measures Impact

The UF-FSU Evaluation Team is looking beyond basic participation numbers to better understand the actual impact of CTSA programs and initiatives.

To examine clinical, community, economic, and policy impacts, the team is using the Translational Science Benefits Model. For training and workforce development, the team is using the Kirkpatrick Model, which looks at satisfaction, learning, behavior change, and longer-term results. To examine stakeholder engagement in research, the team is using the Research Engagement Survey Tool.

The Evaluation Team is also looking at trust in research and outside factors that may influence the local healthcare and research environment. Because CTSA programs and audiences vary so much, evaluation approaches and metrics may look different across different areas.

CTSA 4.0 Year 1 Progress

The Year 1 focus was on understanding how CTSA objectives, Year 1 activities, and current measures fit together. Year 1 activities for the Evaluation Team included:

• Monthly UF-FSU Evaluation Team meetings. 
• Meetings with Element and Module leads across both institutions. 
• Building stronger working relationships and trust across UF, FSU, and the CTSA.

Examples of Outcomes the Evaluation Team is Tracking

As of June 30, 2026, the end of CTSA 4.0 Year 1, research support metrics included:

Tracking measures like these helps the Evaluation Team understand how research support services are being used across the CTSA and identify opportunities to reduce barriers and improve research support.

Looking Ahead

In Year 2 and beyond, the Evaluation Team will continue building a more coordinated approach to measuring progress and impact across the UF-FSU CTSA. The team will work with MPIs and Element/Module Leads to define shared objectives and measures, better align metrics with Translational Science Benefits Model impact areas, and identify which measures and data collection needs should be prioritized.

The team will also work to develop more common metrics across Elements and, when possible, with other clinical and translational science institutes. This will include building out data collection tools and platforms and creating a crosswalk to support more integrated UF-FSU reporting.

Looking longer term, the Evaluation Team plans to incorporate more longitudinal data so progress can be followed over time and move toward higher-level measures of impact. The team will also pair quantitative measures with narratives that better demonstrate the deeper impact of CTSA work, while continuing to refine evaluation processes and reporting so they are clear, consistent, and useful across teams. 

September & October CTSA Announcements

• Register for the TrustScience Brown Bag Series: bit.ly/TSBrownBag
• Join BIRD Office Hours (Oct. 20, 10AM) via Zoom:Zoom
• Register for EHR Workshop Part 2 (Oct. 1):Register
• Register for EHR Workshop Part 3 (Oct. 7):Register