Research Support Networks for Substance Use Translational Research: A Qualitative Evaluation of the HEAL Data to Action (HD2A) Program

Background. NIH-funded research has been increasingly conducted in collaborative consortia of investigators with the support of coordinating centers. However, the extent to which such initiatives help to accomplish NIH goals and objectives with respect to the translation of research to practice remains unclear. We evaluated the progress being made by individual Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative or HEAL Initiative® Data2Action (HD2A) Program projects targeting reduction of overdoses and improving opioid use disorder treatment and pain management and examined project leaders’ perceptions of support provided by three research support centers. Methods. A qualitative observational study conducted as part of a mixed method formative evaluation. Data were collected from semi-structured group interviews and interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Principal investigators and key personnel (n = 33) for each of the 10 NIDA-funded HD2A projects annually beginning in March 2023. Members of the three support centers (n = 8) were also interviewed in January 2025. Results. Three overall themes with several subthemes were identified: 1) accomplishments and challenges of individual projects; 2) HD2A Support Center activities; and 3) overall assessment of HD2A participation. All projects made significant progress and obtained needed support from the three research support centers. Project implementation activities were strengthened overall. Grantees that received supplemental funding for rapid data infrastructure projects benefitted from that funding. Interactions with other HD2A projects was limited but viewed favorably by all grantees. All projects were funded by a phasic NIH grant mechanism. Transitioning from the R61 planning phase to the R33 study phase was a minor challenge for some projects but successfully addressed with the assistance of NIDA personnel. Efforts to harmonize data across the projects have encountered barriers and will require additional support and guidance. Conclusions. Initiatives to bring together diverse projects having a common aim or theme create opportunities for accessing needed support for implementation and collaboration across projects as intended. Nevertheless, greater engagement between those providing technical assistance and those receiving it and stipulating common data elements should occur prior to submission of applications for funding.