Team science competencies for clinical research professionals: A multileveled Delphi approach

Background: The knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for clinical research professionals (CRPs) are described in the Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competencies Framework as a basis for leveled educational programs, training curricula, and certification. There is a paucity of literature addressing team science competencies tailored to CRPs. Gaps in training, research, and education can restrict their capability to effectively contribute to team science.

Materials/methods: The CRP Team Science team consisted of 18 members from 7 clinical and translational science awarded institutions. We employed a multi-stage, modified Delphi approach to define "Smart Skills" and leveled team science skills examples using individual and team science competencies identified by Lotrecchiano et al.

Results: Overall, 59 team science Smart Skills were identified resulting in 177 skills examples across three levels: fundamental, skilled, and advanced. Two examples of the leveled skillsets for individual and team competencies are illustrated. Two vignettes were created to illustrate application for training.

Discussion: This work provides a first-ever application of team science for CRPs by defining specific individual and team science competencies for each level of the CRP career life course. This work will enhance the JTF Domains 7 (Leadership and Professionalism) and 8 (Communication and Teamwork) which are often lacking in CRP training programs. The supplement provides a full set of skills and examples from this work.

Conclusion: Developing team science skills for CRPs may contribute to more effective collaborations across interdisciplinary clinical research teams. These skills may also improve research outcomes and stabilize the CRP workforce.