Using publication data to evaluate a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) career development program: Early outcomes from KL2 scholars

INTRODUCTION: This study uses KL2 scholars’ publications to evaluate the types of research the KL2 program supports and to assess the initial productivity and impact of its scholars. METHODS: We illustrate the feasibility of 3 different approaches to bibliometrics, one viable method for determining the types of research a program or hub supports, and demonstrate how these data can be further combined with internal data records. RESULTS: Gender differences were observed in the types of research scholars undertake. Overall KL2 scholars are performing well, with their publications being cited more than the norm for National Institutes of Health publications. Favorable results were also observed in scholars’ continued engagement in research. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates that linking bibliometric data and data categorizing publications along the translational spectrum with a Clinical and Translational Science Award hub’s internal data records is feasible and offers a number of innovative possibilities for the evaluation of a Clinical and Translational Science Award hub’s programs and investigators.