Advancing Health Equity through the Translational Science Benefits Model: A Framework Update

The attached poster was presented at the 18th Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health in Washington DC, December 15, 2025. This represents the work of a large team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis, the creators of the Translational Science Benefits Model, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison who assisted with the community member integration phase. Background: As health disparities grow more apparent, especially considering recent global events, the need to embed equity into healthcare research and delivery is urgent. Addressing these inequities requires not just better interventions, but better ways to measure their impact. We updated the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM), the most widely used impact evaluation framework among CTSA Program awardees, to bring health equity to the forefront by incorporating comprehensive equity-focused benefits. Methods: To update the framework, the TSBM team reviewed the framework for existing equity elements, conducted a literature search, and partnered with researchers and community members (from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Wisconsin). Community members joined three listening sessions to co-develop proposed equity concepts. Literature and session findings were synthesized into draft benefit additions, which were iteratively reviewed for clarity and relevance. Findings: We reviewed 58 peer-reviewed articles and four gray literature sources, selecting 15 for full analysis. Findings informed sessions with community groups in Madison and St. Louis. From these discussions, we synthesized key themes—trust, power, and access—which guided the iterative development of 10 equity-focused benefits. Madison community members reviewed and supported the final set, which reflects both literature and community insights. Presenting Author: Douglas Luke, PhD, Washington University in St. Louis