Nursing collaboratory development via the Internet

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Health Sciences
• Information Science

Background:

• Increasingly competitive funding landscapes necessitate adaptive research strategies.
• Institutional demands for research productivity are rising, often with reduced support.
• Traditional research models face significant challenges in the current academic environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a model for developing a Nursing Collaboratory.
• To explore opportunities for nurse researcher collaboration via the internet.
• To identify and discuss challenges associated with establishing a Nursing Collaboratory.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual model development for a Nursing Collaboratory.
• Discussion of internet-based communication and collaboration tools for researchers.
• Analysis of potential benefits and obstacles in implementing a collaboratory.

Main Results:

• A framework for a Nursing Collaboratory is presented.
• The internet is identified as a key enabler for remote research collaboration.
• Key opportunities and issues for collaboratory development are outlined.

Conclusions:

• A Nursing Collaboratory can address current research challenges.
• Enhanced communication and collaboration are vital for nurse researchers.
• Strategic development is required to realize the potential of a Nursing Collaboratory.