Using reflexivity to optimize teamwork in qualitative research

Reflexivity is often described as an individual activity. The authors propo se that reflexivity employed as a team activity, through the sharing of ref lexive writing (accounts of personal agendas,hidden assumptions, and theore tical definitions) and group discussions about arising issues, can improve the productivity and functioning of qualitative teams and the vigor and qua lity of th research. The authors review the literature on teamwork, highlig hting benefits and pitfalls, and define and discuss the role for reflexivit y. They describe their own team and detail how they work together on a proj ect investigating doctor-patient communication about prescribing. The autho rs present two reflexive fools they have used and show through examples how they have influenced the effectiveness of their team in: terms of process, quality, and outcome.