On the same page? A qualitative study protocol on collaboration in a multi-laboratory preclinical study.

Area of Science:

• Translational science
• Organizational psychology
• Medical research

Background:

• Medical advancements face delays in patient application due to knowledge translation challenges.
• Multi-laboratory preclinical studies offer a solution to methodological weaknesses in single-lab findings.
• Effective collaboration, driven by shared mental models, is crucial for multiteam systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the development of shared mental models within Canada's first multi-laboratory preclinical study.
• To analyze how collaboration is fostered and evolves in this complex research environment.
• To enhance the understanding of teamwork in multiteam systems for improved scientific translation.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal qualitative study design was employed.
• Data collection included interviews at four time points, team observation, and document analysis.
• Deductive and inductive coding were used for matrix and thematic analysis, with data triangulation.

Main Results:

• The study provides a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of a real-world multiteam system in a preclinical setting.
• It details the evolution of shared mental models and collaborative experiences over time.
• The findings offer insights into the dynamics of teamwork in complex scientific endeavors.

Conclusions:

• This research contributes to understanding collaboration in multiteam systems, an increasingly common organizational structure.
• The results will inform the design and execution of future multi-laboratory preclinical studies.
• Improved collaboration is expected to enhance 'bench to bedside' translation of medical innovations.