Page 106 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

CoLLABoRATIvE RESEARCH n 73

its parts” illuminates the synergy that collab- minutes of meetings. All research members
orative research produces. should have administrative support for their
Recently, collaborative research has involvement in the research project. Further, C
gained popularity, and there are many to empower all team members to attend
reports in the nursing literature of successful the meetings, multiple technological means
outcomes (Bossert, Evans, Cleve, & Savedra, should be available (conference calls, online
2002; Chiang-Hanisko, Ross, Ludwick, & and podcasting). The use of technology to
Martsolf, 2006; Paton, Martin, McClunie- promote the collaborative research process
Trust, & Weir, 2004; Story et al., 2010). Some has been documented by Wilson et al. (2007)
of the significant rewards of engaging in col- and described as the development of a vir-
laborative research are as follows: utilization tual research process.
of a broader, more in-depth knowledge base, To address political and power conflicts
joining of financial resources, empower- that might arise, the research team should
ment of all persons who intersect with the establish rules of engagement and deter-
phenomenon of interest, and expeditious mine decision-making processes. If there
dissemination of findings. Additionally, are any concerns of hidden agendas, these
Adam et al. (2009) noted that collaborative issues should be discussed at the outset and
research encourages novice nurse research- expectations of all team members voiced.
ers and practicing nurses to take an active All organizational cultures represented in
role in the research process. Through this the team should be clearly understood by
team approach, novice researchers and prac- all members and the means to work within
titioners develop professional skills not only these cultures determined. To promote a
in research but also in networking with a positive collegial relationship between team
variety of research partners, broadening members, an ongoing process of review and
worldviews and enhancing presentation and evaluation should be in place and apart of
writing abilities. Finally, as stated by Denyes, every team meeting (McCloughen & o’Brien,
o’Connor, oakely, and Ferguson (1989), “the 2006). Adams et al. (2009) suggested that care
advancement of professional nursing requires be taken to insure that all team members are
integration of theory, practice and research clear on the language being used in the team
and one realistic mechanism to achieve this meetings and that all team members are val-
integration is collaborative nursing research” idated regarding the knowledge and skills
(p. 141). they contribute to the research project.
As with any process that involves work- The traditional model of collaborative
ing together, there are challenges that should research involves two or more research-
be addressed to promote successful outcomes ers with similar interest. This group of
for all involved. McCloughen and o’Brien researchers can be from the same organiza-
(2006) provided a thorough exploration of tion or from several different organizations.
challenges that should be addressed when MacDonald, Stodel, and Chambers (2008)
implementing collaborative research, includ- serve as an example of collaborative research
ing “communication, environmental issues, involving variety of health care professionals
politics and power, and organizational cul- and academicians. Avery, Cohen, and Walker
tures” (p. 172). To promote positive and (2008) documented collaborative research
transparent communication and to address involving a university nursing and technol-
environmental issues, research team mem- ogy faculty. The traditional model provides
bers should establish short- and long-term a means for clarification of a phenomenon
goals, schedule routinely meetings with an through pilot or small research studies and
established agenda, rotate meetings between promotes the identification of other poten-
team members work sites, and maintain tial research partners. Communication, work