A transdisciplinary approach to research on work and health: What is it, what could it contribute, and what are the challenges?

Abstract

The past 15 years have seen a growing interest in transdisciplinary research approaches across academic disciplines. This approach is starting to infiltrate work and health research. Some suggest that a transdisciplinary approach may overcome some of the obstacles in understanding complex pathways between working conditions and health, and may overcome some of the barriers in translating research evidence into action. However, a greater understanding of exactly what transdisciplinary research is (and what it is not) is needed so that the term ‘transdisciplinary’ is not abused or misused. In this paper the author outline the key tenants of a transdisciplinary approach as it applies to research on work and health. He then outlines some of the challenges and benefits of engaging in such an approach across three broad areas: integrating academic disciplinary perspectives; partnering with non-academic groups; and moving research into sustainable solutions. It is hoped that on reading this paper researchers, research participants and funding bodies can weigh up the benefits and challenges of engaging in truly transdisciplinary approaches to different work and health research questions. It is suggested that a truly transdisciplinary approach has both considerable benefits and considerable challenges for the people involved. As such, a transdisciplinary approach might not be the best approach to every research question or situation.