Relational configurations of interdependence and mechanisms of collaboration: relational integration levels of nuclear medicine in oncology

Abstract

Based on the case of nuclear medicine, we analyse the relational practices developed by nuclear physicians to establish interdependent relationships in the area of oncology. A qualitative research, combining interviews and observations, was conducted among nuclear medical physicians and the other specialist physicians within two university hospital centres and a cancer treatment centre in France. This allows us to identify different configurations of interdependent relationships among physicians in the management of oncology patients. We also highlight the existence of various collaborative mechanisms: multidisciplinary collaborative meetings, interpersonal relations and innovation, mobilized by the speciality to consolidate its place in the care of cancer patients and which reflect different levels of relational integration of nuclear medicine in the field of cancer.