Identifying indicators to monitor and evaluate injury research centers

Background/Purpose. Monitoring and evaluation of research centers is complex, but may be helpful for both internal quality improvement and programmatic monitoring and decision-making by funding agencies. This project was designed to develop indicators that can be used for both purposes. Methods. We relied on several qualitative methods, including literature review, review of information about other federally funded center programs, and surveys of former and current CDC Injury Control Research Center (ICRC) directors. A Delphi process is being used to gain consensus among centers about a an initial set of indicators. Focus group discussions about using the proposed indicators will examine both importance and feasibility issues. The evaluation team will conduct a similar process with CDC staff to consider both proposed indicators and implementation issues. Results/Outcomes. Our initial review of 13 published sources and contact with 5 federal programs revealed a list of more than 88 potential indicators. Data collected from an on-line survey completed by 7 of 16 ICRC directors revealed many commonalities in how centers already assess their progress and process including: scholarly products, faculty involvement, funding, dissemination, engagement with the practice community, education of students, workforce development, and operational issues. The Delphi survey addresses uses of 101 potential indicators. Conclusions. In this paper, we will share the results of the Delphi survey and discussions, present perspectives from research centers and the funding agency, and provide a final synthesis of suggested indicators suitable for use by both NCIPC and individual research centers in monitoring and evaluating accomplishments.