title: Attributes of interdisciplinary research teams: a comprehensive review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To solve large complex health-related problems, there has been a progressive movement towards interdisciplinary research teams; however, there has been minimal investigation into the attributes of successful teams. The purpose of this literature review was to examine the attributes that are important for the effective functioning of these teams.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature from medicine, nursing and psychology databases, published between 1990 and 2010, was reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thematic organization of the findings identified seven attributes important to effective interdisciplinary research teams: team purpose, goals, leadership, communication, cohesion, mutual respect and reflection. These attributes are described in depth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Identification of these attributes could form the basis of a new measure to monitor interdisciplinary research team effectiveness, identify weaknesses and promote team development.
authors.affiliation: Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Jahan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lakhani
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Benzies
authors.forename: K Alix
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hayden
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D058025:Interdisciplinary Studies; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration