Collaborative Inter-relational Healthcare Research: A Conceptual Framework Informed by a Qualitative Enquiry

Authors

  • Leslie J. Soever 1- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2 – Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Paula L. Veinot 3 – Sunnybrook Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Mary J. Bell 1- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 3 – Sunnybrook Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/jripe.2014v3n3a114

Keywords:

Interprofessional, Interrelational, Qualitative, Research, Teamwork

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional education is an important precursor to developing collaborative interprofessional healthcare teams. Both have been studied extensively. Less is known about factors contributing to successful interprofessional research. This study examined the perspectives of members of an interprofessional healthcare research team regarding their involvement as research team members.

Methods & Findings: Phase 1: Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with research team members. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was analyzed using a comparative contrast approach. Concepts emerging from the data were categorized broadly under the following themes: raison d’être, key elements of an interprofessional research team, communication, unavoidable logistics, and what is the value? Phase 2: Upon completion of the analysis, a preliminary conceptual framework for conducting interprofessional healthcare research was proposed and presented to the research team. Phase 3: A validation process was undertaken to further define the framework.

Conclusions: Key components of the conceptual framework included values (trust, respect for each other, and common interest[s]) and structural prerequisites (expertise in the topic area, funding, team leadership time, associated workload, organized and co-ordinated management, and forums for multi-modal communication).

Author Biography

Leslie J. Soever, 1- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2 – Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Leslie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1984 and a Master of Science in 2002 from the Institute of Medical Science in The Collaborative Program in Bioethics, all at the University of Toronto.  In 2008 she also completed the Advanced Clinician Practitioner in Arthritis Care (ACPAC) Program through the University of Toronto.  She has clinical, management and research experience.  Research experience includes healthcare evaluation, qualitative research, and quality improvement.  Leslie works clinically as a physiotherapist in an extended role and is a clinical lecturer in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. 

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Published

2014-03-14

Issue

Section

Articles: Empirical Research