Definition and Conceptualization of Collaboration in Drug Rehabilitation: Systematic Synthesis and Comparison Using a Scoping Review Approach

Authors

  • Carl Abelardo T. Antonio Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR; Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7476-0553
  • Chi Mei Jessica Li Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.3040

Keywords:

Intersectoral collaboration, substance-related disorders/therapy, substance abuse treatment centres, review

Abstract

Objective. Although interagency collaboration in drug treatment and rehabilitation has been substantially studied, a lack of consensus on the nomenclature and definition of collaboration remains an unresolved issue in public health policy and practice. To facilitate further consensus, this review analyses previously used definition, conceptualization, and theorization on interagency collaboration in the field of drug rehabilitation.

Methods. We conducted evidence synthesis using a scoping review approach. This review is based on searches
using the MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Embase, and PsychINFO databases and used the protocol proposed by
Arksey and O’Malley.

Results. A total of 6,259 papers were retrieved from database and citation searches, 33 of which were eligible for inclusion in the analysis after screening and evaluation. Although the definitions varied, the common elements included (a) the presence of at least two entities, which were either services, programs or organizations; (b) these entities collaborated or shared resources; (c) partnership went through a development process; and (d) the intent of collaboration was to achieve a common purpose. There were five means of conceptualizing collaboration: (a) degrees, or level of intensity and formality; (b) elements, or the constitutive structure and activities; (c) stages, or the development of partnership over time; (d) levels, or the focus of the collaborative; and (e) type, or a distinction between collaboration on in policy and practice.

Conclusion. Scholarship in this field can benefit from studies that conceptualize collaboration not only crosssectionally through the description of degrees, elements, levels, and type, but also by considering the stages dimension of collaboration (i.e., evolution of collaboration initiative over time). Countries or jurisdictions may need to formalize a term and definition for collaboration as it applies to initiatives within their territories.

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Published

2023-05-29

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Definition and Conceptualization of Collaboration in Drug Rehabilitation: Systematic Synthesis and Comparison Using a Scoping Review Approach. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2023 May 29 [cited 2025 Apr. 7];57(5). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/3040

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