| Background. Linkage and exchange refers to processes by which researchers and decision-makers 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.;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.;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 interactions, facilitation, and information exchange. The outputs consisted of participant ratings of the technology-enabled linkage and exchange processes.;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. |
