Challenges and possible solutions in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health
Nordgreen, Tine; Rabbi, Fazle; Tørresen, Jim; Skar, Yngvar Sigmund; Guribye, Frode; Inal, Yavuz; Flobak, Eivind; Wake, Jo Dugstad; Mukhiya, Suresh Kumar; Aminifar, Amin; Myklebost, Sunniva Brurok; Lundervold, Astri J.; Kenter, Robin Maria Francisca; Hammar, Åsa Karin; Kahlon, Smiti; Nordby, Emilie; Sekse, Ragnhild Johanne Tveit; Griffin, Kristine Fonnes; Jakobsen, Petter; Pham, Hoang Minh; Côté-Allard, Ulysse Teller Masao; Noori, Farzan Majeed; Lamo, Yngve
Journal article, Peer reviewed
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Date
2021Metadata
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- Department of Clinical Medicine [2192]
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Original version
Journal of Enabling Technologies (JET). 2021, 15 (4), 241-251. 10.1108/JET-03-2021-0013Abstract
Purpose: Mental illness presents a huge individual, societal and economic challenges, currently accounting for 20% of the worldwide burden of disease. There is a gap between the need for and access to services. Digital technology has been proven effective in e-mental health for preventing and treating mental health problems. However, there is a need for cross-disciplinary efforts to increase the impact of e-mental health services. This paper aims to report key challenges and possible solutions for cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health.
Design/methodology/approach: The key challenges and possible solutions will be discussed in light of the literature on effective cross-disciplinary research teams.
Findings: Six topics have been key challenges in our cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research team: to develop a shared understanding of the domain; to establish a common understanding of key concepts among the project participants; to involve the end-users in the research and development process; to collaborate across sectors; to ensure privacy and security of health data; and to obtain the right timing of activities according to project dependencies.
Research limitations/implications: This study focuses to increase knowledge and training in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research, as this is often referred to as an important tool when developing sustainable solutions for major societal challenges.
Practical implications: This study needs to include theory and skills training in cross-disciplinary research in research training.
Social implications: Cross-disciplinary teams have the potential to address major societal challenges, including more perspectives and more stakeholders than single disciplinary research teams.
Originality/value: Major societal challenges require complex and sustainable solutions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams may work productively to solve these challenges. This paper shares experiences regarding the challenges and possible solutions for productive collaboration in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health services.