Applying Team Science to Collaborative Digital Health Research: Learnings from the Wearable Clinic

Abstract

Collaboration across disciplinary boundaries is vital to address the complex challenges and opportunities in Digital Health. We present findings and experiences of applying the principles of Team Science to a digital health research project called 'The Wearable Clinic'. Challenges faced were a lack of shared understanding of key terminology and concepts, and differences in publication cultures between disciplines. We also encountered more profound discrepancies, relating to definitions of 'success' in a research project. We recommend that collaborative digital health research projects select a formal Team Science methodology from the outset.