The physician-nurse relationship from a social identity perspective

Abstract

Introduction Nurses and physicians are 2 key players in a well-functioning and high quality healthcare system. The relationship between these two professions is continuously evolving. Combining the social identity theory (SIT) and the self-categorization theory, this review explores the physician-nurse relationship from a social identity perspective. Methods Screening of PubMed, Web of Science, Cinahl and Cochrane Library on the keywords ‘Physician’, ‘Nurse’, ‘Social identity’, ‘Relationship’, ‘Medical education’, ‘Interprofessional collaboration’, ‘Teamwork’. Results To understand the physician-nurse relationship it is important to take note of the two very different identities of both professions. A nurse mainly provides hands-on care while physicians are tasked with diagnosing and setting up a treatment plan to cure the patient. With the evolution of the nurse practitioner we see these boundaries fading between the two professions with nurses becoming more independent. Patient care and safety relies more than ever on teams of people with a range of skills working effectively together. A well cooperating team is based upon the professional skills of each member. Physicians were considered highly competent by both nurses and other physicians. Social identity theory might be of help to make blurred distinctions clear by actively looking for dangers lurking in the stereotype threat. This could be useful to organize a better function healthcare system on an organizational level. Conclusion Being a nurse or a physician is a big part of the identity of the person as stated by the SIT. Nurses are becoming more and more independent. It could be useful to set up a structure with the aim of improving collaboration between physicians and nurses, and also other healthcare professions. Incorporating collaboration in the curriculum of students in de medical field could prove beneficial to both the healthcare provider and the patient.