Abstract
BackgroundHealthcare professionals’ understanding of the knowledge, skills and training of their counterparts from other disciplines cultivates appreciation and respect within the workplace. This, in turn, results in better teamwork and improved patient care. Emergency departments are places where emergency care practitioners (ECPs) engage with doctors, nurses and clinical associates. Whilst the importance of inter-professional communication and teamwork between in-hospital professionals and pre-hospital emergency care providers is acknowledged, no literature could be found describing exactly how much these in-hospital professionals understand about the training and capabilities of their ECP colleagues.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the level of understanding that prospective doctors, nurses and clinical associates have regarding the training and capabilities of ECPs.SettingThe research was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, at two universities.MethodsSeventy-seven participants completed a purpose-designed questionnaire assessing their understanding regarding the education and clinical capabilities of ECPs.ResultsIn total, 64% of participants demonstrated a poor understanding of the level of education and clinical capabilities of ECPs. The remaining 36% showed only moderate levels of understanding.ConclusionMedical, nursing and clinical associate graduates have a generally poor understanding of the education and clinical capabilities of their ECP colleagues who practise predominantly in the pre-hospital environment. This lack of understanding can become a barrier to effective communication between ECPs and in-hospital staff during patient handover in emergency departments.ContributionThis research highlights a lack of understanding about the role and function of South African ECPs as pre-hospital emergency care providers and the need for more effective inter-professional education.
Highlights
Teamwork, inter-professional education (IPE) and inter-professional collaboration (IPC) may address many of the challenges faced by healthcare systems (Reeves et al 2017; World Health Organization [WHO] 2010, 2013)
Medical, nursing and clinical associate graduates have a generally poor understanding of the education and clinical capabilities of their emergency care practitioners (ECPs) colleagues who practise predominantly in the pre-hospital environment. This lack of understanding can become a barrier to effective communication between ECPs and in-hospital staff during patient handover in emergency departments
Contribution: This research highlights a lack of understanding about the role and function of South African ECPs as pre-hospital emergency care providers and the need for more effective inter-professional education
Summary
The widespread use and promotion of IPE and IPC have been advocated as a way of cultivating respect amongst healthcare professionals from different disciplines by promoting patient-centred practices (Reeves et al 2008; WHO 2010). In emergency care and primary healthcare settings, effective collaborative practice has been found to result in improved access to, and coordination of, health services, increased acceptance of care, and higher levels of patient satisfaction. Effective teamwork and collaborative practice hold additional benefits for employers by reducing conflict and tension amongst colleagues, decreasing staff turnover and increasing job satisfaction (Carney et al 2019; Lemieux-Charles & McGuire 2006; Mickan 2005; Morley & Cashell 2017; WHO 2010). Whilst the importance of inter-professional communication and teamwork between in-hospital professionals and pre-hospital emergency care providers is acknowledged, no literature could be found describing exactly how much these in-hospital professionals understand about the training and capabilities of their ECP colleagues
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