Identifying contributing factors influencing pediatric nurses' and health professionals' self-reported collaborative practice behaviors

Abstract

PurposeIn this study, we examined the influence of interprofessional American Heart Association (AHA) resuscitation courses on pediatric health care professionals' (N = 218) self- reported collaborative practice behaviors (CPBs) and examined differences in CPBs between nursing, medicine, and respiratory therapy. Design and methodsA mixed methods explanatory design was utilized with a sample of pediatric nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and respiratory therapists. Data were collected using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS) and two open-ended questions. Data analysis included: exploratory factor analysis, paired t-tests, mixed effects modeling and directed content analysis. Inferences were made across quantitative and qualitative data. ResultsStatistically significant improvement in mean CPB scores was demonstrated by all professions (t (208) = −12.76; ρ < 0.001) immediately after the AHA courses. Qualitative responses indicated physicians identified roles and responsibilities (94%, n = 17) as the most important CPB. Communication was identified by nurses (78%, n = 76), nurse practitioners (100%, n = 11) and respiratory therapists (71%, n = 5) as most important. ConclusionsParticipation in an interprofessional AHA course significantly increased mean self-reported CPB scores. Changes in mean CPB scores were sustained over 6 weeks upon return to clinical practice. Practice implicationsFuture research focused on CPBs of front-line health care professionals can provide an accurate portrayal of an interprofessional team and can inform how collaborative practice is established in everyday clinical practice.