Improving the health of the public: a transdisciplinary research study

Abstract

BackgroundHealth improvement requires actors from many sectors to coproduce knowledge and policy to solve complex global public health challenges. Transdisciplinary approaches can be broadly defined as using a common conceptual framework to unite a variety of disciplines enabling the deepest collaboration across academic fields and with non-academic stakeholders. Our aim was to establish best practice transdisciplinary research methods for public health science (and related) research studies. MethodsWe did a literature review using the following search terms in OVID Medline to identify articles that had conducted transdisciplinary research studies: “1.transdiscip*.tw.; 2.Trans-discip*.tw.; 3.1 or 2; 4. Research.tw.; 5.stud*.tw.; 6.4 or 5; 7.health*.tw.; 8.3 and 6 and 7”. We included English-language papers from any academic discipline and country, from inception until May 27, 2019. Papers were included in the final analysis if they provided sufficient details to enable us to summarise the method of the transdisciplinary research taken. FindingsWe identified 528 studies, of which 41 were included. No defined guidelines for designing a transdisciplinary research project exist; however, most studies outlined an iterative approach involving continual reflection and adaptation of the research plan and included the following steps: extensive literature searches, reviewing all involved disciplines; development of a shared conceptual framework, a jargon-free visual schematic, which enables all stakeholders to understand and agree theory, concepts, and assumptions that underpin the research plan; implementation of data collection (normally mixed-methods approach); reframing discussion with stakeholders to present data and compare with existing literature and local setting; and identification and collective decision-making regarding potential solutions to problems. Several included studies stated that the key to successful transdisciplinary research projects was good communication and team working skills between researchers and with wider stakeholders. InterpretationTransdisciplinary research is a complex process that requires the continual reflection and adaptation of the research plan and conceptual framework. This process ensures that the project continues to be relevant, captures all aspects of the disciplines involved, and has the ability to tackle challenges that have a major influence on the health of the public. FundingRWA is supported by a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship.