Need for a Multidisciplinary Approach to Clinical Research

The psychological and psychiatric literature is replete with detailed articles on research statistics and design; however, recognition is given to the fact that clinical research is conducted in a complex social matrix and that success is highly dependent on communication and genuine cooperation of the members of many disciplines. One may formulate a theoretically sound research design but it is another problem to keep the system in operation. This knowledge is old hat to the experienced investigator but often involves startling and painful lessons for the neophyte clinician interested in a little spare time research. Graduate psychology research courses seldom prepare the student for the realities of institutional life. Aware of the many methodological weaknesses inherent in current drug research, a conscientious attempt was made by a psychologist, psychiatrist, and charge nurse to avoid the more obvious pitfalls. A research project involving 20 chronic schizophrenic patients utilizing a double blind alternation design for the purpose of evaluating the effect of chlorpromazine as measured by objective psychological tests, was carefully developed (Moss, Jensen, Morrow, & Freund, 1958). A small ward was selected and the project was given official sanction by the Hospital Research Committee composed of the Superintendent and heads of major services. The difficulties encountered, once the study was underway, necessitated continuous impromptu alterations in the plans and are represented in the form of a daily log kept at the time which speaks for itse1f.l Sample entries from the log are given below

Drug · Medical education · Multidisciplinary approach · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Social science · Sociology · Applied Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Psychiatric care and mental health services · Psychology · Schizophrenia research and treatment