Interdisciplinary researching: exploring the opportunities and risks of working together

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the issues that present both opportunities and risks when working in an interdisciplinary research project. As the research context changes in the social reform environment, some scientists suggest it is time to forge new scientific working relationships, to open up the boundaries between disciplines. Interdisciplinary research is an alternative approach for nurses who might develop different ways of working with health researchers from other disciplines. The ideas in this paper come from a larger, grounded theory study on interdisciplinary teamwork. The changing research context, the meaning of interdisciplinary working, collaboration, and competence, integrating different disciplinary perspectives, interprofessional learning opportunities, and the relevance for nurses are explored in relation to interdisciplinary researching. Interdisciplinary researching is complex and potentially risky; however, it does offer nurses the opportunities for professional growth, development, and research work satisfaction. Many nurses are already well-trained researchers and might consider developing roles as interdisciplinary research project managers as well.