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Program evaluation

Evaluation and continuous quality improvement

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) integrates developmental evaluation, continuous quality improvement, longitudinal outcome tracking, and stakeholder-engaged methods to assess and strengthen translational science infrastructure, programs and workforce development.

Our evaluation approach is designed to support adaptive decision-making across CCaTS programs, identify translational bottlenecks, monitor near- and long-term outcomes, and generate evidence that informs program refinement. Evaluation activities are grounded in Clinical and Transitional Science Awards-relevant frameworks, including translational science competencies, the Translational Science Benefits Model, and longitudinal tracking approaches via platforms such as Flight Tracker and Overton.

Our evaluation framework

CCaTS evaluation is organized around four connected priorities that support adaptive learning, impact assessment, stakeholder relevance and evaluation capacity across the translational science ecosystem:

  • Learn fast through continuous quality improvement

    Continuous quality improvement helps CCaTS identify what is working, where barriers are emerging, and what changes may improve program effectiveness. This "learn fast" approach uses short-cycle feedback, practical measurement and iterative refinement to support timely program improvement.

    The CCaTS Continuous Quality Improvement Advisory Board brings together program leaders and expertise in evaluation, informatics, implementation science and operation. The board supports consistent evaluation practices, harmonized data collection, streamlined workflows and rapid response to emerging program needs.

  • Track real-world and long-term impact

    CCaTS evaluates near-term outputs and longer-term evidence of translational impact. In addition to standard measures such as participation, publications, grants, consultations and program milestones, CCaTS tracks whether supported work contributes to changes in practice, policy, clinical care, community benefit, research efficiency or future scientific progress.

    Where appropriate, CCaTS uses established frameworks and tools such as the Translational Science Benefits Model, Flight Tracker, competency-informed evaluation frameworks and longitudinal outcome tracking of policy impact via Overton. These approaches help CCaTS understand how trainees, scholars, awardees and program participants contribute to translational science over time.

  • Centering community and stakeholder voice

    Evaluation is strongest when it reflects the priorities and experiences of the people affected by the work period. CCaTS incorporates community and stakeholder perspectives into evaluation planning, measures selection, interpretation of findings and decisions about improvement.

    This includes using both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand whether programs are responsive, feasible, relevant and meaningful to the audience they intend to serve. Regular feedback helps ensure that evaluation findings are shared and interpreted with partners and used to guide future action.

  • Building evaluation capacity and collaboration

    CCaTS works to strengthen evaluation capacity across the translational science workforce through education, training, consultation and shared learning.

    CCaTS also engages with national evaluation committees, including Clinical and Transitional Science Awards evaluator groups, competency-focused working groups and professional conferences such as the Association for Clinical and Translational Science and American Evaluation Association. These connections help identify and stay aligned with emerging practices and clinical and transitional science evaluation and contribute to shared learning across the translational science field.

How evaluation supports translational science

Our evaluation work does more than document activity. It drives learning, strengthens programs and demonstrates the value of translational science by:

  • Identifying barriers in the translational process and test solutions.
  • Improving services, workflows and participant experience.
  • Strengthening training, career development and research programs.
  • Tracking outcomes across research, education, community engagement and translational support.
  • Understanding whether innovations are adopted, sustained or adapted in real-world settings.
  • Generating evidence that can guide decisions and support broader dissemination.
  • Contributing to shared models and measures across the Clinical and Transitional Science Awards consortium.

Contact the evaluation team

Those interested in learning more about CCaTS' evaluation approaches, continuous quality improvement or collaboration opportunities, contact Alfred Vitale, Ph.D., M.S., our evaluator.