Interprofessional collaboration in the care delivery pathway for patients with COPD – experiences of nurses and physical therapists: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require treatment from different healthcare professionals at different levels of care. Previous research indicates shortcomings in interprofessional collaboration and rocky transitions between primary care, specialised care and long-term care. Aim The aim was to explore how nurses and physical therapists experience their role in interprofessional collaboration and the care delivery pathway for patients with COPD. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses (n = 4) and physical therapists (n = 7) from different levels of care between October 2020 and January 2021 and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Insufficient time and continuity along with unclear routines were perceived as inhibiting interprofessional collaboration and transitions within the care delivery pathway. Dialogue between healthcare professionals was considered important to increase familiarisation with other professional roles and to enhance mutual support. Insufficient competence and low priority in healthcare was perceived as placing responsibility on the silent patient group to contact healthcare for follow-ups. Conclusions This study provides insights into the experiences of nurses and physical therapists regarding several insufficiencies in interprofessional collaboration and the care delivery pathway. It is necessary to increase COPD-related competence among healthcare professionals, develop and clarify routines and provide conditions for dialogue between healthcare professionals.