Factors that influence engagement in collaborative practice: how 8 health professionals became advocates.
OBJECTIVE
To generate hypotheses regarding factors that might influence engagement in collaborative practice.


METHODS
Qualitative study using in-depth interviews.


METHODS
Participants interviewed each other in dyads. The pairing was based upon geographical location and proximity to each other.


METHODS
Eight professionals from the disciplines of medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and massage therapy.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews, lasting 30 to 45 minutes each, were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were read by all research team members using independent content analysis for common words, phrases, statements, or units of text for key themes. At a subsequent face-to-face meeting, the team used an iterative process of comparing and contrasting key themes until consensus was reached. The transcripts were then analyzed further for subthemes using NVivo software.


RESULTS
Initial findings suggest that some common characteristics grounded in family history, school experiences, social interactions, and professional training might influence collaborative practice choices. The narrative form of the interview broke down interpersonal and interprofessional barriers, creating a new level of trust and respect that could improve professional collaboration.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that life experiences from childhood into later adulthood can and do influence professional choices.
Herbert
Carol P
CP
University of Western Ontario's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London.
Bainbridge
Lesley
L
Bickford
Julia
J
Baptiste
Susan
S
Brajtman
Susan
S
Dryden
Trish
T
Hall
Pippa
P
Risdon
Cathy
C
Solomon
Patricia
P
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D033262:Narration; D011209:Power, Psychological; D024382:Professional Role; D036301:Qualitative Research