Table 2 Maximizing the benefits of interdisciplinary health research
Challenge | Description | Possible solutions for addressing challenge |
|---|---|---|
Not understanding what interdisciplinary research is really about | â–ª Researchers come to the table without fully appreciating the intent of interdisciplinary research study | â–ª The research team together establishes how they define and view interdisciplinarity for their study |
| Â | Â | â–ª A plan to assess whether the research team is meeting their goals regarding interdisciplinarity is in place |
| Â | Â | â–ªRegular assessment/refinement of progress is conducted |
Varying personalities and viewpoints | â–ª The focus of the research study is derailed by those with their own agenda/perspective | â–ª Active leadership by principal investigator to keep all disciplines engaged and contributing |
| Â | Â | â–ª Regular interaction/communication by team members |
Marginality and power dynamics | â–ª Some research team members minimize and exclude the contribution of other disciplines in the research team | â–ª Explicitness re: each person's role & contribution to the study is established at the onset of the study |
| Â | Â | â–ª Regular assessment of each discipline's contribution is built into the study plan |