title: Evolution of Multidisciplinary Translational Teams (MTTs): Insights for Accelerating Translational Innovations.
abstract: There is growing consensus about the factors critical for development and productivity of multidisciplinary teams, but few studies have evaluated their longitudinal changes. We present a longitudinal study of 10 multidisciplinary translational teams (MTTs), based on team process and outcome measures, evaluated before and after 3 years of CTSA collaboration. Using a mixed methods approach, an expert panel of five judges (familiar with the progress of the teams) independently rated team performance based on four process and four outcome measures, and achieved a rating consensus. Although all teams made progress in translational domains, other process and outcome measures were highly variable. The trajectory profiles identified four categories of team performance. Objective bibliometric analysis of CTSA-supported MTTs with positive growth in process scores showed that these teams tended to have enhanced scientific outcomes and published in new scientific domains, indicating the conduct of innovative science. Case exemplars revealed that MTTs that experienced growth in both process and outcome evaluative criteria also experienced greater innovation, defined as publications in different areas of science. Of the eight evaluative criteria, leadership-related behaviors were the most resistant to the interventions introduced. Well-managed MTTs demonstrate objective productivity and facilitate innovation.
authors: Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.|School of Business, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors: Kevin C
authors: KC
authors: Wooten
authors: Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.|Department of Internal Medicine, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors: William J
authors: WJ
authors: Calhoun
authors: Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors: Suresh
authors: S
authors: Bhavnani
authors: Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors: Robert M
authors: RM
authors: Rose
authors: Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.|Department of Internal Medicine, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors: Bill
authors: B
authors: Ameredes
authors: Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas, USA.|Department of Internal Medicine, UTMB, Galveston, Texas, USA.
authors: Allan R
authors: AR
authors: Brasier
mesh_terms: D015706:Bibliometrics; D057191:Capacity Building; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004526:Efficiency; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007857:Leadership; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D017146:Models, Organizational; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013192:Staff Development; D013997:Time Factors; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: multidisciplinary teams; team evolution; translational research