Definition and Conceptualization of Collaboration in Drug Rehabilitation: Systematic Synthesis and Comparison Using a...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Addiction Treatment

Background:

• Interagency collaboration in drug rehabilitation is crucial but lacks a unified definition.
• Existing research highlights a need for consensus on nomenclature and conceptualization.
• This ambiguity impacts public health policy and practice in addiction services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze existing definitions, conceptualizations, and theorizations of interagency collaboration in drug rehabilitation.
• To identify common elements and diverse conceptual frameworks of collaboration.
• To facilitate further consensus on the definition and understanding of interagency collaboration.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review approach was employed for evidence synthesis.
• Searches were conducted across multiple databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Embase, and PsychINFO.
• The review followed the Arksey and O'Malley protocol for systematic scoping reviews.

Main Results:

• 33 papers were included from 6,259 retrieved, revealing varied definitions of collaboration.
• Common elements identified: at least two entities, resource sharing, a development process, and a common purpose.
• Five conceptualizations emerged: degrees, elements, stages, levels, and type of collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Scholarship should consider the temporal dimension (stages) of collaboration alongside cross-sectional aspects.
• Formalizing a standardized term and definition for collaboration is recommended for countries and jurisdictions.
• Achieving consensus on collaboration definitions will enhance public health policy and practice in drug rehabilitation.