003 Op: Building Collaboration: The Process of Interdisciplinary Research on Prematurity Between Neonatologists and Anthropologists

Abstract

IntroductionThis paper describes collaborative relationships between anthropologists and neonatologists engaged to research prematurity in a long term study to assess health outcomes related to preterm individuals born in 1990s in Buenos Aires, Argentina.ObjectiveTo describe how collaboration took place, considering the discussion between anthropologists and neonatologists about qualitative methods and findings and the researchers dialogue within each discipline during different moments from research process.DesignDescriptive and qualitative study.SettingHospital Prof. Dr. J. P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.MethodsQualitative techniques on research process: participant observation, observation and interviews with patients (adolescents and youth born preterm, median age was 18.5±2.3 years old) and researchers (two female neonatologists).ResultsAt the first moment, neonatologist thought anthropological perspective as a “complement” of the “real” study made with quantitative methods. But when the results from the group interviews started to show up, neonatologists realized that they never had the opportunity to hear their patient's voice. So that, anthropological perspective allowed neonatologists to build new relationships with their patients and to think new ways to organize care practices at neonatology hospital teams.ConclusionsQualitative methodology allowed creation of a space for mutual recognition and reflection for patients and researchers. Collaboration is constructed not only between researchers, but also in the relationships with interviewed patients. Collaboration can only be constructed when researcher's preconceptions are visualized and there is a permanent dialogue during the investigation process.