Objectives/Goals: The objectives of this project aim to (1) feature strengthened areas of integration between Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design (BERD) and Biomedical Informatics (BMI) Cores, (2) exemplify an inter-core approach to maximize CTSA data service resources, and (3) discuss opportunities to adapt this approach in other CTSA hubs. Methods/Study Population: BERD and BMI Cores are partnered disciplines integral to the mission of CTSA hubs but often operate independently of each other which can result in unfulfilled data resource linkages. In 2023, the University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science integrated joint operations between the two cores to maximize research data support services. This project defines three areas of inter-core collaboration between BERD and BMI in CTSA hubs in academic medical centers: (1) collaborative needs assessment for research data support services, (2) joint consultations for study design, analysis, and data extraction, and (3) partnered joint data resource navigation. Process comparisons of previous and current workflows are presented to show the advantages of utilizing collaborative core efforts. Results/Anticipated Results: When operations are integrated, BERD and BMI Cores leverage CTSA resources to a higher capacity, with data-intensive research support becoming more effective and expedited for project timelines and workflows across the CTSA, especially in support of translational science and research. Early evaluation results support improved operation performance metrics and inter-core teamwork satisfaction. With this partnership, BERD and BMI cores strengthen CTSA data research support services including functional datasets, higher-level service, and leveraging institutional resources. Common service issues including cycles of data re-extractions and limited data support are now avoided when BERD and BMI cores address investigator needs with a joint approach. Discussion/Significance of Impact: CTSAs aiming to improve research navigation efficiency might approach joint BERD and BMI core collaborations and adapt these strategies to fit institutional infrastructure. This collaboration can serve as a case study in translational science innovation, addressing persistent CTSA workflow, hiring, and resource allocation.
Robbins et al. (Wed,) studied this question.