Reflections on Developing Collaborative Research in Pediatric Psychology: Implications and Future Directions

Abstract

Objectives Collaborative research with pediatric colleagues has become increasingly important in the professional agenda of pediatric psychology, and there is a continuing need to articulate the challenges of such research. To address this need, this article describes types of collaborative research, reasons for collaboration, collaborative process, challenges, and strategies to facilitate collaborative research. Methods Experiences and lessons learned over the course of a career in collaborative research are described. Results Challenges in collaborative research can be overcome by effective strategies of engagement and communication. Useful methods of training researchers in collaborative research include modeling and supervised mentored experiences in research initiated by trainees. Conclusion Data are needed to identify the characteristics of successful collaborative research, strategies to promote effective research, and methods of training and career development.Key words collaborative research; interdisciplinary research; research training. Reflections on Collaborative Research With Pediatric ColleaguesCollaborative research with pediatricians has long been a hallmark of the field of pediatric psychology (Kagan, 1965;Routh, 1982;Wright, 1967) and a topic of continuing interest (Armstrong, 2009;Armstrong & Drotar, 2000;Drotar, 1989Drotar, , 1993Drotar, , 1995. In recent years, the importance of collaborative research that is developed by interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams has become increasingly important in science in general (Bennett & Gadlin, 2012; Buscemi, Stegitz, & Spring, 2012;Wuchty, Jones, & Uzzi, 2007), as well as in the field of pediatric psychology, given expanded knowledge and the growth of large collaborative studies (Armstrong, 2009;Armstrong & Reaman, 2005). The increased emphasis on interdisciplinary team science at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also heightened the need to understand the process of successful research collaboration (Croyle, 2012;Hall et al., 2012; National Institutes of Health, 2008). Moreover, current trends such as the increased emphasis on collaborative training and service provision, especially in primary care, that are anticipated in the Affordable Care Act (Rozensky & Janicke, 2012) and the growing importance of developing interprofessional competencies in a range of activities (Interprofessional Education Collaborative Expert Panel, 2011) enhance professional focus on collaboration.These trends coupled with the complexity of collaborative research underscore the continuing need to identify and articulate the nature and process of collaborative research, key challenges, potential strategies to manage them, and implications for research in the field of pediatric psychology, including the training of researchers. The purpose of this article is to address this need by describing Context of My Experience in Collaborative ResearchResearch collaboration is defined by content, context, and role. For this reason, it will be helpful for readers to u...

Competency-based postdoctoral research training for clinical psychologists: An example and implications.

“…Our program incorporates Kram’s (1985) model of key mentoring functions, including (a) career development (e.g., preparing for advancement, sponsorship, transmission of ethics), and (b) psychosocial issues (e.g., enhancing mentees’ sense of competence, work role effectiveness). Our mentoring approach also emphasizes several relevant strategies described by Johnson (2002), such as clarifying expectations, understanding the developmental needs of mentees, and intentional modeling of key research-related competencies, such as manuscript and grant writing, managing a laboratory, and engaging in collaborative team science (Drotar, 2013). Our program features and emphasizes a constellation of mentoring relationships in multiple training contexts involving shared activities with faculty (Higgins & Thomas, 2001).…”

Conducting psychological intervention research in pediatric clinical settings: Strategies and implications.

“…As is true for most research conducted with pediatric populations (Drotar, 2013), collabora-tion with a wide range of professionals (e.g., pediatricians, nurses, social workers) can facilitate successful implementation of all phases of psychological intervention research in pediatric clinical settings and enhance translation to clinical practice. For example, in Study 1, health care providers referred patients for psychological interventions to improve their problematic adherence.…”

“…For example, we discussed each study with providers when it was still in the formative stages. Involving providers prior to the beginning of the study helped to anticipate barriers to implementation, gave them an opportunity to raise their concerns and potential reservations early in the process, and provided an opportunity for collaborative dialogue about solving design and implementation challenges (Drotar, 2013). We also gave periodic updates to health care providers about study progress, engaged them in discussion of challenging issues in implementa-tion, and facilitated discussion of the clinical implications of study findings.…”

An integrative review and practical guide to team development interventions for translational science teams: One size does not fit all

“…3,4 In clinical environments, a translational approach to research has led to significant advancements in many fields including, but not limited to, orthopedics, cancer care, and pediatrics. [5][6][7] The shift toward heightened collaboration that spans disciplinary, organizational, and even geographic boundaries suggests a fundamental transformation in the production of highimpact science. 8 Notably, this shift sparked the creation of an emerging field that investigates various factors affecting cross-disciplinary science teams and their effectiveness.…”

“…Specifically, novel combinations of disciplines have led to science teams with substantial levels of creativity and innovation, leading to the production of higher impact science [3,4]. In clinical environments, a translational approach to research has led to significant advancements in many fields including, but not limited to, orthopedics, cancer care, and pediatrics [5][6][7].…”