Considerations and recommendations for collaborative research networks in epidemiology: Lessons learned from the diabetes LEAD Network

Multi-site and multi-organizational teams are increasingly common in epidemiologic research; however, there is a lack of standards or best practices for achieving success in collaborative research networks in epidemiology. We summarize our experiences and lessons learned from the Diabetes Location,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical and translational science 2025, Vol.9 (1), p.e7, Article e7
Main Authors: McAlexander, Tara P, Lee, Nora L, Lovasi, Gina S, Hirsch, Annemarie G, Poulsen, Melissa N, Elbel, Brian, Thorpe, Lorna E, Long, D Leann, McClure, Leslie A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agreements
Collaboration
Collaborative research
Communication
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus
Disease control
Electronic health records
Epidemiology
Funding
harmonization
Information sharing
Meetings
research design and methods
Special Communication
Success
team science
Teams
Working groups
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Summary:Multi-site and multi-organizational teams are increasingly common in epidemiologic research; however, there is a lack of standards or best practices for achieving success in collaborative research networks in epidemiology. We summarize our experiences and lessons learned from the Diabetes Location, Environmental Attributes, and Disparities (LEAD) Network, a collaborative agreement between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and research teams at Drexel University, New York University, Johns Hopkins University and Geisinger, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. We present a roadmap for success in collaborative epidemiologic research, with recommendations focused on the following areas to maximize efficiency and success in collaborative research agreements: 1) operational and administrative considerations; 2) data access and sharing of sensitive data; 3) aligning network research aims; 4) harmonization of methods and measures; and 5) dissemination of findings. Future collaborations can be informed by our experiences and ultimately dedicate more resources to achieving scientific aims and efficiently disseminating scientific work products.
ISSN:2059-8661
2059-8661
DOI:10.1017/cts.2024.670