PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Carol P. Herbert AU - Lesley Bainbridge AU - Julia Bickford AU - Susan Baptiste AU - Susan Brajtman AU - Trish Dryden AU - Pippa Hall AU - Cathy Risdon AU - Patricia Solomon TI - Factors that influence engagement in collaborative practice DP - 2007 Aug 01 TA - Canadian Family Physician PG - 1318--1325 VI - 53 IP - 8 4099 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/53/8/1318.short 4100 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/53/8/1318.full SO - Can Fam Physician2007 Aug 01; 53 AB - OBJECTIVE To generate hypotheses regarding factors that might influence engagement in collaborative practice. DESIGN Qualitative study using in-depth interviews. SETTING Participants interviewed each other in dyads. The pairing was based upon geographical location and proximity to each other. PARTICIPANTS Eight professionals from the disciplines of medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and massage therapy. METHOD Semistructured interviews, lasting 30 to 45 minutes each, were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were read by all research team members using independent content analysis for common words, phrases, statements, or units of text for key themes. At a subsequent face-to-face meeting, the team used an iterative process of comparing and contrasting key themes until consensus was reached. The transcripts were then analyzed further for subthemes using NVivo software. MAIN FINDINGS Initial findings suggest that some common characteristics grounded in family history, school experiences, social interactions, and professional training might influence collaborative practice choices. The narrative form of the interview broke down interpersonal and interprofessional barriers, creating a new level of trust and respect that could improve professional collaboration. CONCLUSION This study suggests that life experiences from childhood into later adulthood can and do influence professional choices.