Establishing a Collaboration Contract to Facilitate Team Performance.

Effective collaboration is essential for team projects whether related to research, evidence-based practice, or quality improvement efforts and is especially relevant to the doctor of nursing practice (DNP)-prepared nurse (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2006). High-quality projects are accomplished through planning and organization and cannot be left to chance (Yonge, Skillen, & Henderson, 1996). A collaboration contract negates the "left to chance" philosophy by promoting clarity of roles, responsibilities, and team processes.