Theories of power in interprofessional research - developing the field

This guest editorial introduces a special issue on theories of power in interprofessional research. Building on the intentions of the late Professor Scott Reeves, Distinguished Editor of this Journal, the identification that the notions of power have been visible yet relatively inconsistent in interprofessional research warranted a focused attempt to draw together scholarship from across the globe. Power runs throughout and often dictates interprofessional dynamics yet the visibility of theoretical engagement with the subject has not reflected this. We would therefore like to invite submissions which attempt to address the issue of power in interprofessional contexts, utilizing theory to explore empirical phenomena, case studies, conceptual thought or evidence review. The piece below provides a brief, speculative overview of theoretical contributions which focus on power and how they may be used to inform interprofessional research. Including examples of previous application of theory, possible approaches to framing and insight into conflictual, consensual and constitutive modes of thought the aim here is to suggest ways in which potential contributors might frame their submissions. Given that coherent inteprofessional engagement is influenced by power systems and struggles, the need to bring together work which attempts to understand and respond to this has become a pressing contemporary concern.