An editorial strategy to amplify impact. Narrative articles to promote clinical and translational research

INTRODUCTION: It is critical to explain the beneficial impacts of clinical and translational research in order to bolster the research enterprise and improve healthcare for all. As such, an editorial strategy is needed to systematically and efficiently deliver compelling narratives that build this broad awareness

METHODS: Seven-stage editorial strategy includes:1) Efficient sourcing of story ideas, 2) Leverage hub resources (i.e. website, RPPR, etc.) to identify users of CTSA services and programs, 3) Catalog and track all leads for development, 4) Assign each lead an impact number assessing its value: scale from 1 to 3, 5)  Conduct interviews and prioritize leads with a range of outcomes, 6) Craft the article and build a central theme/angle that clearly explains real-world impact, 7) Disseminate and promote the article both internally and externally.  

A detailed outline for each stage is available upon request. 

RESULTS: Impact dissemination through narrative articles creates a reinforcing feedback loop, ultimately sustaining and enabling future clinical research: 

External benefits: 
Builds public understanding, awareness, and support for clinical research. 
Bolsters future funding by explaining CTSA value to policymakers. 

Internal benefits: 
Improves faculty recognition and retention, by highlighting individual successes. 
Increases overall CTSA hub awareness by sharing engaging content.
Pull-quotes and testimonials are reused across digital platforms and marketing materials, extending visibility beyond a single article.

DISCUSSION: Several broad needs must be addressed: 

• It is essential to define the many measures of “impact” 

• Hubs should work with NCATS and across the CTSA network to develop shared strategies 

• We need to ensure that communication of impact is reaching the intended audiences: policy makers, community organizations, researchers, etc. 

• Can these narrative articles be quantified within the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM) domains, specifically: 
  • Community and Public Health Benefits
  • Policy & Legislative Benefits