Interdisciplinary doctorial supervision: lessons for nurse education and practice

This paper concerns a reflection on one interdisciplinary doctorate supervision project. It outlines key elements for success within this supervisory context.

The aim of this paper is to present a reflection on interdisciplinary doctorate supervision project experience and examine these experiences in light of literature on the topic.

Reflection was carried out using Rolfe et al. (2010) framework for reflexivity.

The supervised engineering project aimed to develop, demonstrate and evaluate a new framework for the design of customisable assistive technology (AT) which involved professionals working with AT and users with disabilities. As this research occurs in between disciplines, it required an innovative and interdisciplinary approach, with an ultimate merger between health sciences and design engineering disciplines and external liaison with adults with disabilities and a disability service provider.

Interdisciplinary research is popular contemporarily and addresses societal needs. In the case outlined, clear understandings were developed, in addition to clear territorial boundaries that helped guide the novel research. Steps to success in interdisciplinary research supervision include selecting the appropriate interdisciplinary team; ensuring open communication; establishing and agreeing boundaries of the research and supervision; keeping an open mind; tolerance of lack of expertise in some areas; regular meetings and communication; keeping the student focused and agreeing publication plans in advance.