Background
Linkage and exchange refers to processes by which researchers and decisionmakers
are engaged in ongoing interaction, collaboration, and the transfer of ideas and
are a critical aspect of collaborative research partnerships (CHSRF, 2008). As healthcare
groups continue to communicate and collaborate at a distance through linkage and
exchange, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has come to play an
increasingly important role in supporting such interactions. However, to date, the
literature on linkage and exchange appears disconnected from that of ICT. Research on
the effects of ICT on linkage and exchange processes is needed for healthcare in general,
but, more specifically, within the drug policy domain. This study examines the
consequences of ICT on linkage and exchange processes within the drug policy domain.
Methodology
This study seeks to understand the effects of ICT on linkage and exchange
processes. An initial conceptual framework emerged from the research literature of both
ICT and linkage and exchange. The framework focused on describing inputs, processes,
and outputs involved in linkage and exchange. The inputs were communication media,
tasks, group characteristics, context, and culture. The processes included social
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interactions, facilitation, and information exchange. The outputs consisted of participant
ratings of the technology-enabled linkage and exchange processes.
Three different groups working within the drug policy domain were observed for
over two years. Five different types of data were collected in the study: baseline
interviews, observations, meeting transcripts, post-interviews, and surveys. Analysis of
the study results in the context of the initial conceptual framework led to a more refined
conceptual framework.
Findings
Three linkage and exchange processes were studied: social interaction norms,
facilitation, and information exchange. The findings regarding social interaction norms
suggest that: 1) groups developed different discussion and participation norms when
using different communication media; 2) a rigid web-conferencing communication
structure forced group members to introduce other tools for communication; 3) group
discussions were perceived as best in face-to-face environments and worst in
teleconferencing; 4) teleconferencing provided the most convenient method of
participation; 5) web-conferencing was the most effective way to facilitate linkage and
exchange for groups that had limited budgets, that were greatly dispersed, and that were
highly collaborative; 6) web-conferencing forced group interaction within text.
Findings regarding facilitation suggest that: 1) process facilitation skills were
essential to the success of the group irrespective of technology; 2) more technological
features required more effort from facilitators; 3) facilitator control of a meeting was
highest during web-conferencing meetings; 4) disseminating research required little or no
process facilitation expertise.
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Findings regarding information exchange suggest that: 1) technology and
presentation structure had a strong influence on information sharing, but little on
evidence sharing; and 2) the research task had the strongest effect on the level of
evidence used within the group.
Conclusion
ICT has a significant effect on linkage and exchange processes. This study
discusses the implications of the thesis for both underlying theory and the practical
development of technology to support linkage and exchange.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uvic.ca/oai:dspace.library.uvic.ca:1828/1358 |
| Date | 06 April 2009 |
| Creators | Househ, Mowafa Said |
| Contributors | Kushniruk, Andre W., Maclure, Malcolm |
| Source Sets | University of Victoria |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Available to the World Wide Web |
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