Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teams

Abstract Background/Objective: The Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program supports a national network of medical research institutions working to expedite the development of treatments and interventions. High-performing translational teams (TTs) involving inter-institutional coll...

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Main Authors: Whitney A. Sweeney, Maria Hernandez, Elizabeth S. Burnside, Josie Hintzke, Kayla Lemmon, Allan R. Brasier
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
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Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866125000640/type/journal_article
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author Whitney A. Sweeney
Maria Hernandez
Elizabeth S. Burnside
Josie Hintzke
Kayla Lemmon
Allan R. Brasier
author_facet Whitney A. Sweeney
Maria Hernandez
Elizabeth S. Burnside
Josie Hintzke
Kayla Lemmon
Allan R. Brasier
author_sort Whitney A. Sweeney
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background/Objective: The Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program supports a national network of medical research institutions working to expedite the development of treatments and interventions. High-performing translational teams (TTs) involving inter-institutional collaborations are critical for advancing these evidence-based approaches. However, management of these complex teams can be difficult, and tailored project management may help TTs overcome the unique challenges they face. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 14 dedicated project managers (PMs) from six CTSAs to learn more about their experiences with TTs. Information derived from the thematic analysis of the data was used to identify barriers and facilitators for effective project management. Results: Barriers included a lack of institutional support, communication issues, pushback, role confusion, and a need for agility. Facilitators included transparent communication, supportive team environments, shared leadership with autonomy, and opportunities for professional development. The PMs interviewed for this study provided descriptions of their work that depicted a more expansive view of project management than the more traditional approach focused on meeting deadlines and managing deliverables. Conclusion: Our findings have been used to inform development, training, and guidance for an innovative project management resource, the Project Management Innovation Center of Excellence (PROMICE) recently launched at the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR). Through the development of a dedicated career path, PROMICE recognizes the value that PMs bring to translational science and provides the support that they need to be innovative, leading their teams to success.
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spelling doaj-art-0bfe52701de645c4bb746eca6778016e2025-08-20T03:07:57ZengCambridge University PressJournal of Clinical and Translational Science2059-86612025-01-01910.1017/cts.2025.64Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teamsWhitney A. Sweeney0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9761-1761Maria Hernandez1Elizabeth S. Burnside2Josie Hintzke3Kayla Lemmon4Allan R. Brasier5https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5012-4090Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USAInstitute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USAInstitute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USAInstitute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USAInstitute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USAInstitute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA Abstract Background/Objective: The Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program supports a national network of medical research institutions working to expedite the development of treatments and interventions. High-performing translational teams (TTs) involving inter-institutional collaborations are critical for advancing these evidence-based approaches. However, management of these complex teams can be difficult, and tailored project management may help TTs overcome the unique challenges they face. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 14 dedicated project managers (PMs) from six CTSAs to learn more about their experiences with TTs. Information derived from the thematic analysis of the data was used to identify barriers and facilitators for effective project management. Results: Barriers included a lack of institutional support, communication issues, pushback, role confusion, and a need for agility. Facilitators included transparent communication, supportive team environments, shared leadership with autonomy, and opportunities for professional development. The PMs interviewed for this study provided descriptions of their work that depicted a more expansive view of project management than the more traditional approach focused on meeting deadlines and managing deliverables. Conclusion: Our findings have been used to inform development, training, and guidance for an innovative project management resource, the Project Management Innovation Center of Excellence (PROMICE) recently launched at the UW-Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR). Through the development of a dedicated career path, PROMICE recognizes the value that PMs bring to translational science and provides the support that they need to be innovative, leading their teams to success. https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866125000640/type/journal_articleProject managementtranslational teamscenter of excellenceeducation and trainingcareer development
spellingShingle Whitney A. Sweeney
Maria Hernandez
Elizabeth S. Burnside
Josie Hintzke
Kayla Lemmon
Allan R. Brasier
Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teams
Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
Project management
translational teams
center of excellence
education and training
career development
title Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teams
title_full Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teams
title_fullStr Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teams
title_full_unstemmed Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teams
title_short Beyond deadlines and deliverables: Identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the PROMICE of translational teams
title_sort beyond deadlines and deliverables identifying barriers and facilitators to enhance the promice of translational teams
topic Project management
translational teams
center of excellence
education and training
career development
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866125000640/type/journal_article
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