Health Research Needs Multidisciplinary Models

The challenges faced by health systems warrant equally complex solutions in an increasingly complex world. The solutions often lie at the juncture of various disciplines, each bringing unique perspectives, methodologies, and insights. The traditional boundaries between fields such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, social sciences, engineering, and data science are rapidly dissolving, paving the way for multidisciplinary involvement in health research. This collaborative approach is not just a trend but a necessity for advancing health outcomes and addressing the multifaceted health issues of our time.

The collaboration of professionals from various disciplines has become more than a trend, hence, it is an imperative. The complexity of health issues, driven by a convergence of biomedical, social, economic, and environmental factors, requires a holistic approach that no single discipline can provide on its own. Multidisciplinary professionals, those who bring expertise from different fields into the realm of health research, are the catalysts for innovation and progress. Their involvement not only enriches the research process but also ensures that solutions are comprehensive, practical, and ultimately more effective.

Benefits

Traditionally, health research was often the domain of medical and biological scientists. While their contributions remain invaluable, the scope of health challenges has expanded far beyond the reach of these disciplines alone. The rise of non-communicable diseases, the global burden of mental health, and the ongoing threat of pandemics underscore the need for a broader perspective. 

As for example, understanding the social determinants of health, such as income inequality, education, and housing, requires input from social scientists, economists, and urban planners. Similarly, the integration of technology in healthcare, through telemedicine or AI-driven diagnostics, necessitates the expertise of engineers, computer scientists, and data analysts. By involving professionals from these diverse fields, health research can address the full spectrum of factors that influence health outcomes.

Health challenges today are multifactorial and interconnected. The rise of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease cannot be understood purely through a biomedical lens. These conditions are influenced by social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, and environment, which require insights from sociology, economics, and environmental science. Similarly, emerging infectious diseases, as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate the need for a coordinated response that integrates virology, epidemiology, behavioral science, and public policy.

Multidisciplinary research brings together experts from various fields to collaborate on common goals, enriching the research process with diverse viewpoints. Public health experts may collaborate with data scientists to analyse large datasets, identifying patterns and predicting outcomes that would be impossible through traditional approach. Biomedical researchers might work with engineers to develop new medical devices or with behavioural scientists to understand how patients interact with these technologies. This integration leads to more holistic solutions that are better suited to real-world applications. Combining knowledge from different fields, multidisciplinary research fosters innovation and holistic solution. New technologies, treatments, and policies often result from the convergence of diverse expertise. 

The development of telemedicine platforms required input from IT specialists, medical/pharmacy/nursing practitioners, and psychologists to ensure these tools are user-friendly, effective, and secure. Health issues are rarely isolated. Multidisciplinary research allows for a more comprehensive understanding of these issues by considering various contributing factors, from biological to social to economic and environmental. Therefore, multidisciplinary approach leads to more effective solutions and/or interventions. Health research often helps form public policy. Multidisciplinary involvement ensures that policies are based on a well-rounded understanding of the issues at hand, increasing their relevance and effectiveness. A multidisciplinary team can help design policies that not only address the biological aspects of a health crisis but also its social and economic impacts thereafter. 

Working in multidisciplinary teams, although challenging, promotes collaboration and continuous learning among researchers. It breaks down silos and encourages the exchange of ideas, which can lead to new research questions and methodologies that push the boundaries of current knowledge. The benefits of multidisciplinary research are clear; however, it is not without challenges. Coordinating across disciplines can be difficult, as each field has its own professional language, methods, and standards. There can be resistance to collaboration, particularly when it involves stepping out of comfort zone. Additionally, securing funding for multidisciplinary projects can be challenging, as traditional funding structures often favor more narrowly focused research.

Collaboration

To overcome these challenges, institutions must foster a culture of collaboration, providing opportunities and incentives for researchers to engage in multidisciplinary work. Training programmes that equip researchers with the skills to communicate and collaborate across disciplines are also essential. Moreover, funding bodies must recognise the value of multidisciplinary research and adapt their criteria accordingly.

The involvement of multidisciplinary professionals in health research is not just an asset, it is a necessity. As health challenges become more complex and interconnected, the need for diverse expertise has never been greater.  Bringing together professionals from different fields, health research can produce solutions that are innovative, comprehensive, and impactful. Like so, multidisciplinary collaboration is not only shaping the future of health research but also improving health outcomes for individuals, communities, and countries around the world. As the boundaries between disciplines continue to blur, the future of health research lies in our ability to work together, transcending traditional silos to improve health outcomes for all.

(Prof. Dr. Lohani is the executive director at the Health Concern. lohanis@gmail.com)