A qualitative exploration of nurse-physician collaboration in intensive care units

Abstract

BackgroundEffective nurse-physician collaboration is associated with superior patient outcomes and improved job satisfaction for both nurses and physicians. ObjectivesThis qualitative study explored factors that contribute to nurse-physician collaboration in critical care. Using a qualitative descriptive design, in-depth interviews were conducted with intensive care unit physicians and nurses. Four physicians and six nurses were interviewed between November 2018 and February 2019. Using an iterative process, data analysis occurred after each interview and Lincoln & Guba’s Trustworthiness criteria was used to establish validity. FindingsThe importance of effective collaboration was emphasized by all nurses and physicians who participated in this study. All participants emphasized the importance of communication and linked effective collaboration to better patient outcomes. Nurses valued respect while physicians stressed the importance of relationships. Both nurses and physicians identified multidisciplinary rounds as the best mechanism for collaboration. Collaboration was also linked to both nurse and physician job satisfaction. ConclusionEffective nurse-physician collaboration is essential to a healthy work environment and optimal patient outcomes. Collaboration improves with the implementation of multidisciplinary rounds. This is the first study to examine this relationship using a qualitative approach. Regardless of health system, both nurses and physicians value effective collaboration. Efforts should be made to invest in activities to improve this relationship. ImpactIntenisve care units with effective collaboration are associated with superior patient outcomes. This study used an intimate approach to examine nurses’ and physicians’ perceptions on collaboration which provided candid and provoking opinions.