Collaboration between doctors and nurses in the care of Acute Coronary Syndrome patients at Emergency Departments from the nurses' perspective

Abstract

Abstract Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a complex case that requires a collaborative action between the doctors and the nurses. This research aims to explore the collaboration experience between nurses and doctors in the care of ACS patient at Emergency Departments (ED) from the nurses' perspective. This research is a descriptive qualitative phenomenological research which involved 32 nurses who are employed in an ED. The data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews for the duration of 30–60 min. The results of the data analysis revealed that there are 3 themes; nurses' perception of independent intervention and collaboration, patients’ handling tasks are predominantly performed by the doctors and a collaboration policy. These 3 themes represent unidirectional communication patterns and the doctor acts as the dominant figure. The pattern concludes implement hierarchical practices. Therefore necessary to develop a collaboration model in handling patients with ACS in the hospitals and build a good collaborative relationship.