Introduction: There have been increased efforts to recognize the effects, or lack thereof, of scientific research on health equity. The Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM) is a framework for evaluating the impact of research on health and society. The TSBM team is currently integrating equity into the TSBM framework.
Methods: Adaptation of the TSBM involved 3 phases: 1) Literature review; 2) Community engagement sessions; and 3) Model refinement. First, we conducted a review of the clinical and translational sciences literature addressing at least one of the 30 TSBM benefits in relation to health equity. Next, we held two engagement sessions, one in St. Louis, MO, and one in Madison, WI, with community members including leaders in local community-based organizations, in order to incorporate professional expertise and lived experience in the model adaptation. We will use their input to prioritize and refine adaptations to the model.
Results: Our literature review identified equity dimensions of the original 30 TSBM benefits and 15 potential additional benefits for inclusion in the model, including community partnerships, community capacity building, workforce development, and social determinants of health. The community engagement sessions provided key insights for adapting the model and determining the most important equity benefits to evaluate. In the Madison session, members highlighted the importance of broader equity in relation to health, like access to transportation. Community organization leaders in the St. Louis session emphasized the need to build and prioritize relationships throughout the research process. The TSBM team is currently making final adaptations, which will provide an expanded approach to evaluating the impact of scientific activities to include impacts on health equity.
Impact: The TSBM provides a framework for clinical and translational scientists to plan for, track, and demonstrate the broader impacts of their work. Including equity impacts in the model can help increase consideration of equity in science and more clearly make the link between research and equity impact.
Organization: Washington University in St. Louis
LaBrier M, La Manna A, Andersen S, Brossart L, Combs T, Heidbreder J, Casey S, Luke D