Interprofessional Team Collaboration Research Articles

Development and Testing of a Patient Outcome Measure for Interprofessional Tuberculosis Care: A Delphi Study

Background: A chronic medical condition such as tuberculosis can be physically and emotionally challenging for both health practitioners and patients and their families. Tuberculosis requires a team-based care model that provides resilience and coordinated work, such as the one offered by an interprofessional collaborative practice team. Despite the increasing interest in interprofessional-based care globally, there is a notable lack of measures to assess patient impact. We aimed to develop a patient outcome measure to quantify the functional impact of interprofessional care on tuberculosis patients. Methods: The study involved four phases: 1) developing a conceptual framework and creating items, 2) evaluating the construct through Delphi studies to obtain international consensus, 3) back-to-back translation into Indonesian, and 4) re-evaluating the construct with Delphi study to obtain Indonesian consensus. The consensus was reached if the Content Validity Index covers at least 70% agreement from experts, an interquartile range <1, and a median score of 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines were used to assess item relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness. Results: A total of 65 international and 61 Indonesian participants in the Delphi studies. The final instrument consists of 44 items organized into five domains. All items were relevant to the construct being measured and deemed understandable, and significant concerns related to TB care were comprehensively addressed in the instrument. Conclusion:The findings indicate that the instrument content validity was good, fulfilling COSMIN requirements for items' relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2025-09-01-08 Full Text: PDF

An interprofessional model to improve LGBTQ+ specific cultural competence in dental and pharmacy students.

Disproportionate access to healthcare services among the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and others (LGBTQ+) population can be partially attributed to the lack of cultural competence among healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an interprofessional model in improving cultural competence and clinical preparedness among dental and pharmacy students for providing LGBTQ+ specific care. This study is a retrospective observational study which used a novel interprofessional model of three different LGBTQ+ focused educational interventions within a group of dental and pharmacy students. The study used pre- and post-surveys, Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale (AITCS-II) and the Team Observed Structured Clinical Encounter (TOSCE) evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Welch test, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and pairwise Wilcox Test were employed to analyze quantitative data while qualitative insights were gathered from evaluator comments and student feedback. The study evaluated cultural competence among 154 dental and pharmacy students revealing improved cultural humility post-intervention, particularly for dental students although not statistically significant (p>0.05). Students participating in multiple interventions had higher mean scores, but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). Significant differences were found among interprofessional teams of students in the domains of roles and responsibilities (p = 0.039) and patient centered approach (p = 0.039). No significant differences were found in individual scores participation in the teams (p = 0.018). Students also provided positive feedback on the program's impact on their understanding of LGBTQ+ health issues and inclusive care. This program was a novel intervention aimed at improving cultural competence for health professional students in an interprofessional environment Further research in the direction can be useful in creating replicable programs.

Perceptions of an acute medical unit in internal medicine on interprofessional collaboration

ABSTRACT We aimed to assess perceptions about interprofessional collaboration (IPC) of healthcare professionals working in an acute medical unit (AMU) in an internal medicine department in the United Arab Emirates. The AMU provides care during the initial 24 to 72 hours of admission and emphasizes interprofessional collaboration. Using the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale II, the study measured partnership, cooperation, and coordination among team members. Between November 5, 2022, and January 5, 2023, 81 participants completed the survey, including physicians (n = 45; 55.5%), nurses (n = 18; 22.2%), and clinical and non-clinical allied health professionals (n = 18; 22.2%). On a Likert-type scale of one to five, most respondents perceived partnership, cooperation, and team coordination as good collaboration on the AMU, with mean scores of 4.29, 4.16, and 4.15, respectively. There was no significant difference between physicians’ (4.18) and nurses’ (4.45) perspectives of IPC on the AMU (p = .10), but physicians were less likely to notice collaborative practice changes compared to other professionals. Introducing IPC early in medical education might enhance future collaborative practice. This study sheds light on IPC in non-Western contexts and provides insights into how collaboration is perceived and practiced in diverse healthcare settings.

An Action Research on the Development of Drama Therapy for Adolescents with Epidermolysis Bullosa through Interprofessional Team Collaboration

<p>本研究旨在透過工作者之觀點探討戲劇治療運用於遺傳性表皮分解性水皰症（本文簡稱泡泡龍）青少年成員之團體方案實踐經驗。採行動研究，結合「行動」與「研究」，歸納整理2022年戲劇治療工作者於臺灣嚴重特殊傳染性肺炎（COVID-19）第二級疫情警戒下，針對七名成員進行住宿式戲劇治療團體方案，並透過訪談六位工作者，探索疫情期間戲劇治療運用於泡泡龍成員之行動方案設計、執行歷程，及戲劇治療所展現之能動性為何。本研究結果發現：（一）以實體結合線上的戲劇治療團體，讓成員能衡量自我身心狀態，提升參與的意願與可能性，且能營造兼具「治療深度」與鏈結「人際廣度」的平台，達到成員彼此間情感的支持與共鳴。（二）帶領者彈性調度、使用、創造活動空間與內容，以因應環境的不確定因素，能拓展成員被侷限的生活經驗。（三）行動方案以「過年」為主軸，營造過渡性的空間使成員能安頓身心，梳理生命故事。（四）自傳劇的創作與展演，使成員從被公共觀看的經驗中找到生活的意義感，而透過觀眾的回應可以讓觀演雙方建立非單一病理觀點，從而找到認識與理解的新視角。（五）行動前的核心價值帶來動能、行動中的工作彈性創造團體效能、行動後找回初衷的反思創造出再行動的反映。依據本研究結果可提供未來戲劇治療運用於罕見疾病泡泡龍成員之研究與實務應用之參考。</p><p>The purpose of this study is to investigate the experience of using drama therapy in group programs for members with hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) through practitioners’ perspectives.</p> <p>This study used qualitative action research as the analytic method. Through semi-structured interviews with six drama therapy practitioners, the study explored the design of the action plan, the implementation process, and the therapeutic factors of drama therapy in serving EB members during the covid-19 epidemic. The findings of this study revealed that: (1) The "physical" combined with "online" group approach can enhance the members’ willingness and possibility to assess their physical and mental state and participate in the group. (2) By combining "physical" and "online" group approaches, we can create a platform that combines "therapeutic depth" and "interpersonal breadth" to achieve emotional support and empathy. (3) During the epidemic, workers flexibly allocate, use, and create activity space and content to expand the limited life experiences of members. (4) The action plan uses "Chinese New Year" as a metaphor to create a transitional space for members to settle down and to organize their life stories through theater activities. (5) The creation and performance of the autobiographical drama allows members to express their repressed emotions and thoughts to find a sense of meaning in their lives, and also allows the audience to build an understanding and appreciation of the non-single pathological perspective of EB members.</p>

Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Fall Prevention Program Incorporating an Interprofessional Team Collaboration Model on Reducing Fall Risk in Elderly Living in Long-term Care Facilities

Concurrent with population ageing, falls have become a significantly more challenging public health issue among older adults. Three years of data collected recently from a nursing home in northern Taiwan reveals an increasing trend in fall density that is primarily associated with aging, physiological decline, chronic diseases, polypharmacy, osteoporosis, and lack of exercise. The percentage of nursing home residents at high risk of falls is currently at 12.6%, and the fall rate has been reported as reaching as high as 30% annually. A fall prevention program was implemented to reduce the fall incidence rate to 18%, with secondary goals of improving fall prevention awareness, behavior, self-efficacy, lower limb muscle strength, balance, and gait by 10% on average, respectively, between pre-test and post-test. From September 30, 2023 to February 29, 2024, a health promotion activity and fall prevention exercise course were implemented using an interdisciplinary team collaboration model over a six-week period, providing individualized exercise for the participants. The study included 20 older adults with an average age of 88 years. Most (90%; n = 18) had chronic diseases, 25% (n = 5) were on more than nine medications, 70% (n = 14) had reduced bone mass, and 40% (n = 8) were at high risk of falls, with a fall incidence rate of 30% during the immediately preceding year. Post-intervention, the fall incidence rate dropped to 5%, fall prevention awareness, behavior, and self-efficacy increased by 18.3%, and lower limb muscle strength, balance, and gait improved by 11.7%. The post-test results in fall prevention awareness, behavioral changes, self-efficacy, and lower limb strength, balance, and gait were all significantly better than pre-test results, with all results achieving statistical significance. The project results support the positive effects of the developed intervention effectively on elderly physical fitness and fall risk, providing valuable insights for the implementation of fall prevention strategies in nursing homes.

First-year health professions students’ interprofessional identity development following participation in a brief introductory interprofessional activity: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Healthcare providers need to simultaneously identify with their own profession and the broader interprofessional group to improve interprofessional team functioning and collaboration. The purpose of this study was to explore firstyear healthcare students’ interprofessional identity development following a brief introductory interprofessional activity. The Extended Professional Identity Theory (EPIT) served as the framework for this qualitative study. The sample included 1,047 students from 19 different health professions at one institution in the first semester of their professional program. Deductive content analysis was used to analyze students’ reflections from two reflective questions in a mandatory course evaluation survey. The 24-item version of the Extended Professional Identity Scale was used as a structured categorization matrix for deductive coding of student reflections to the three EPIT constructs: interprofessional belonging, commitment, and beliefs. Participant responses, spanning all three EPIT constructs, support the ability of early health professions learners to demonstrate the development of an emerging interprofessional identity. Future research is needed to assess IPI at various points across the curriculum and to explore between profession differences and the implications for foundational IPE design and learning along the continuum into practice.

The Role of Interprofessional Education in Optimizing Laparoscopic Skills Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: This investigation evaluates the utility and benefits of integrating interprofessional education (IPE) into laparoscopic training, aiming to enrich medical education and skill acquisition methodologies. Methods: The study randomly allocated 36 participants of a 2023 laparoscopic training course into experimental and control groups, each comprising 18 individuals. The control group underwent traditional theory and practical training, whereas the experimental group additionally engaged in interdisciplinary instruction with nursing educators and participated in simulated laparoscopic surgery exercises. The effectiveness of this interdisciplinary approach was assessed by comparing laparoscopic theory and simulation performance, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scores in animal-based training, and course satisfaction between the groups. Moreover, the impact on interdisciplinary collaborative competencies was measured through pre- and post-training self-evaluations using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS) in the experimental group. Results: The experimental group demonstrated superior performance in laparoscopic theory and simulation, as well as higher OSATS scores, compared with the control group. Satisfaction ratings regarding the skills practice mode, effects, and instructional quality were also significantly better in the experimental group (P < .05, P < .01). Furthermore, participants in the experimental group reported significant pre-to-post training enhancements in interprofessional communication, team collaboration, role perception, conflict management, and learning and feedback marked by statistically significant differences (P < .05, P < .01). Conclusion: The introduction of an IPE framework significantly boosts laparoscopic training efficiency and promotes team collaboration awareness. This model effectively bridges gaps between disciplines, illustrating substantial applicative value and expansion potential within medical education and skill training arenas.

A Clinical Nurse Specialist in Home Healthcare.

Opportunities and challenges in home healthcare are discussed from the perspective of a gerontological clinical nurse specialist who has served as an expert clinician, administrator, and compliance director of a home health agency in the Midwest United States. Home-based nursing care requires a distinct set of knowledge and skills centered on the home environment and the way the home health patient responds emotionally and physically to become confident and self-sufficient. A Theoretical Framework for Home-Based Professional Nursing Practice is presented identifying the 6 concepts (primacy of home, patient authority, patient self-management, caregivers as collaborators, interprofessional clinical team collaboration, nurse autonomy) that are building blocks to describe the experience of patients in their homes and interactions with providers. The quality of clinical care and documentation influence reimbursement for care and the financial survival of the home health agency. Six management priorities both within the administrative office and the clinical teams are highlighted to improve quality of care, promote efficiency, and retain staff. Exciting opportunities are available for the clinical nurse specialist in home-based care.

Development of a student intervarsity interprofessional healthcare team challenge to promote collaboration and teamwork

This curricular report describes the development and evaluation of an intervarsity competition entitled the All-Ireland Interprofessional Healthcare Challenge (AIPEC). Students from eight universities across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland take part in this extracurricular event on an annual basis. In this manuscript, we report on the development of the case and on the findings of a student evaluation of the event following the 2022 event using the Assessment of the Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale for Students (AITCS-II student version). Of the 34 students who participated in AIPEC 2022, responses were obtained from 24 (70.6 % response rate). Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive including positive agreement in all four AITCS-II subscales (partnership, coordination, cooperation and teamworking). Free text comments further endorse the event as a positive, collaborative student learning opportunity. In conclusion, our experience has shown the AIPEC to be a beneficial learning experience for students, with clear benefits in developing clinical knowledge and attitudes towards collaborative practice and teamworking.

Status quo and influencing factors of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teamwork for early mobilization in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs: A multi-centre survey study.

To understand the status quo of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary collaboration for early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in Chinese ICUs and identify any factors that may influence this practice. A multi-centre cross-sectional survey. From October to November 2022, the convenience sampling method was used to select ICU multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early mobility members (including physicians, nurses and physiotherapists) from 27 tertiary general hospitals in 14 provinces, cities and autonomous regions of China. They were asked to complete an author-developed questionnaire on the status of collaboration and the Assessment of Inter-professional Team Collaboration Scale. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with the level of collaboration. Physicians, nurses and physiotherapists mostly suffered from the lack of normative protocols, unclear division of responsibilities and unclear multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teams when using a collaborative approach to early activities. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of ICU patients managed, the existence of norms and processes, the attitude of colleagues around them, the establishment of a team, communication methods and activity leaders were significant influences on the level of collaboration among members of the multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activities. The collaboration of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activity members for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU remains unclear, and the collaboration strategy needs to be constructed and improved, taking into account China's human resources and each region's economic development level. This study investigates the collaboration status of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary activity members from the perspective of teamwork, analyses the reasons affecting the level of collaboration and helps to develop better teamwork strategies to facilitate the implementation of early activities. The participants in this study were multiprofessional and multidisciplinary medical staff who performed early activities for ICU patients.

Interprofessional Collaboration amongst Healthcare Workers of a Tertiary Hospital in North-Eastern Nigeria.

Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare is important to optimise healthcare delivery. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on the topic in Nigeria, especially in the North. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of interprofessional collaboration, enablers and barriers amongst healthcare workers. Data were collected using a five-domain modified Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale questionnaire, with a Likert scale of 1-5. The ideal mean score was ≤2 for the barriers domain and ≥4 for the other domains. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Two hundred and sixty-six participants responded to the questionnaire. Male and female respondents were 131 (49.2%) each. Half of the respondents were 31 to 40 years old. One hundred and thirty-six (51.1%) of the respondents were nurses, and 48 (18.0%) were doctors. The modal working experience was 6-11 years (41.4%), and 117 (44.0%) respondents had at least a bachelor's degree. The mean scores for the domains were 4.1032 for partnership, 3.2383 for cooperation, 3.6309 for coordination, 4.2844 for enablers and 3.7902 for barriers. There was adequate level of partnership and enablers amongst the healthcare workers but insufficient cooperation and coordination and high level of barriers. Staff training on cooperation, coordination and identified barriers is necessary to improve interprofessional collaboration in the hospital.

A Pilot of a Telehealth-Hospice Transition Intervention for Children and Young Adults with Cancer

Background and AimsTelehealth can improve care for patients with progressive cancer enrolling in hospice. Coordinated telehealth visits (patient/family-hospital-hospice) may improve communication, satisfaction with and interdisciplinary hospice collaboration. This pilot examines the impact of three coordinated telehealth visits on these outcomes. MethodsThis is a prospective pilot study of 0–29-year-old patients with cancer initiating hospice care between 2021-2023. Adult patients, caregivers, oncology and palliative care clinicians, hospice nurses and administrators were surveyed about feasibility and acceptability with telehealth (Technology Acceptance Model 2) after first and third telehealth visits. Hospice satisfaction (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) was completed by caregivers after visit 3 and during bereavement. Healthcare professionals completed the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale II (AITCS-II). Survey responses were summarized and differences in scores were analyzed. ResultsOf 40 eligible patients, 24 enrolled, 19 completed visit 1, and 13 completed visit 3. Fourteen caregivers and two adult patients completed visit 1 surveys; nine caregivers and two adult patients completed visit 3 surveys. Participants highly rated telehealth acceptability after visit 1 (Median: 4.5, IQR: 4.0–4.7) and 3 (Median: 4.4, IQR: 4.0–4.7). Hospice services were rated as highly satisfactory at visit 3 (Median: 4.0, IQR: 3.7–4.0) and during bereavement (Median: 3.7, IQR: 3.5–4.0). Healthcare professionals (n = 85 surveys) reported excellent interprofessional collaboration (Hospital clinicians median: 99/115 and hospice teams 111/115). ConclusionsParticipants found coordinated telehealth visits to be feasible, acceptable, and satisfactory. Telehealth may be utilized as an acceptable alternative to clinic visits and fosters hospital-hospice collaboration.

Team functioning in Neurorehabilitation: a mixed methods study

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to enhance understanding of team functioning in a neurorehabilitation team by identifying the factors that impede and facilitate effective interprofessional team collaboration. We focused on team identification, psychological safety, and team learning, and conducted the research at a neurorehabilitation center treating young patients with severe acquired brain injury in the Netherlands. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from questionnaires (N = 40) with qualitative insights from a focus group (n = 6) and in-depth interviews (n = 5) to provide a comprehensive perspective on team dynamics. Findings revealed strong team identification among participants, denoting a shared sense of belonging and commitment. However, limited psychological safety was observed, which negatively affected constructive conflict and team learning. Qualitative analysis further identified deficiencies in shared mental models, especially in shared decision-making and integrated care. These results highlight the crucial role of psychological safety in team learning and the development of shared mental models in neurorehabilitation settings. Although specific to neurorehabilitation, the insights gained may be applicable to enhancing team collaboration in various healthcare environments. The study forms a basis for future research to investigate the impact of improvements in team functioning on patient outcomes in similar settings.

Trio Rounding: Perceptions of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Nurses and Physicians.

The purpose of this study was to explore the process, benefits, and challenges of patient-centered Trio rounding in acute inpatient rehabilitation from the perspectives of nurses and physicians. A descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. Focus group interviews (FGIs) involving 27 nurses and physicians were thematically analyzed using Dedoose. A descriptive survey of rounding practices was conducted. Five primary themes were identified: (1) interprofessional team collaboration; (2) patient safety and quality of care; (3) communication, education, and patient/family partnering; (4) synchronicity of workflow; and (5) participants' recommendation to develop rehabilitation Trio rounding standard process. Themes were consistent with Picker's patient-centered care principles. Findings from a survey on current rounding practice done prior to the FGI reinforced participants' discussion on challenges in conducting patient-centered Trio rounding. Trio rounding in acute inpatient rehabilitation is a complex process challenged by asynchronous workflow and patients' therapy schedules. Nurses and physicians reported benefits outweighed challenges for Trio rounding in acute rehabilitation. The study provided valuable recommendations to develop acute inpatient rehabilitation Trio rounding standard process.

Inter-professional Team Collaboration among Health Care Team Members in Critical Care Units: Targeting Cooperating, Coordinating, and Partnership in Najaf Governorate, Iraq

Background: Inter-professional collaboration (IPC) among the health care team in critical care units is essential for delivering high-quality and safe care for patients and getting the desired health care outcome for patients. In Critical Care Units (ICU and CCU), an IPC approach comprises cooperation, coordination, and partnership among healthcare specialists from different disciplines to deliver thorough and patient-centred care to critically ill patients. Objective: Determining the level of IPC among health care team members in ICUs and CCUs. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design that targeted (n = 364) nurses, physicians, and clinical pharmacists in ICUs and CCUs, The Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale II (AITCS-II), was employed in this study. Results: The IPC level among health care team members in ICUs and CCUs was substandard. The partnership domain was weak with a mean score (MS) of 2.31, cooperation was moderate with a MS of 2.51, and coordination was weak with a MS of 2.17. The overall ICP was poor with a MS of 2.33. Conclusion: As hypothesised, the overall IPC covering all three main domains (partnership, cooperation, and coordination) among health care team members in critical care units is substandard. It is imperative for Iraqi nursing colleges to prioritise educating their students on inter-professional collaboration and its significance in delivering quality patient care. Instilling a clear understanding of their roles in healthcare among students is vital to cultivating a culture of teamwork and its advantageous outcomes for both patients and healthcare teams. Nurses should engage in specialised workshops that focus on professional collaboration within healthcare settings to reinforce and build upon their academic knowledge of their crucial role(s). This may help in improving their inter-professional teamwork, leading to better patient care.

Impact of Initiating a GLP1 Agonist and/or SGLT2 Inhibitor Therapy on De-Escalation and Discontinuation of Insulin and Diabetes Control When Managed by an Interprofessional Collaborative Team.

An FQHC in Denver, Colorado developed and implemented an interprofessional care model to collaboratively manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Utilizing the 340B program, the team protocolized ADA Guidelines to promote the early adoption of first-line medications, glucagon-like peptide1 receptor agonists (GLP1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) to improve patient outcomes. To assess the impact of interprofessional collaborative management versus standard care on early initiation of a SGLT2i and/or GLP1 RA as first-line therapies to enhance (1) deprescribing of insulin, (2) reducing overbasalization of insulin through insulin de-escalation, and (3) effectively lowering A1C levels in adult primary care patients with T2DM. This was a retrospective chart review of adult patients with T2DM who were initiated on a GLP1 RA and/or a SGLT2i. To determine the effects of initiating GLP1 RA and/or SGLT2i therapy on insulin usage and glycemic control, the total daily dose (TDD) of insulin before initiation was compared with the most recent TDD post-initiation to evaluate deprescribing. To determine the impact on overbasalization, pre-initiation and post-initiation insulin doses were evaluated. The effectiveness of GLP1 RA and/or SGLT2i in lowering A1C levels was determined by comparing the A1C prior to initiation with the A1C postinitiation. To evaluate the influence of interprofessional collaborative care on insulin deprescribing, overbasalization, and diabetes control, relevant measures were compared between patients receiving collaborative care versus standard care. Of the 60 total patients treated with insulin, 46.6% were deprescribed insulin, with a majority in the interprofessional collaborative group (93.1%) compared to standard care (6.9%). A total of 78.3% of patients benefited from a reduction in A1C following the initiation of a GLP1 RA and/or SGLT2i. The greatest A1C reduction was -2.9% in the group receiving metformin in addition to a GLP1 RA and a SGLT2i. Patients who received interprofessional collaborative care had an average A1c reduction of -2.9% compared to-1.1% with standard care. Most patients initially overbasalized on insulin experienced a reduction in overbasalization after initiating GLP1 RA and/or SGLT2i. There was a notable A1C reduction, de-escalation, and deprescribing of insulin in patients receiving interprofessional collaborative care.

Relationship between Interprofessional Communication and Health Care Team Collaboration

Relationship between Interprofessional Communication and Health Care Team Collaboration

Perceptions of interprofessional team collaboration among professionals working in the occupational health service in Sweden

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) among professionals in occupational health (OH) services is crucial when rendering a service to clients and customers. The aim of this study was to describe and compare perceptions relating to IPC among professionals working as OH providers in Sweden. This cross-sectional study with a descriptive and comparative design included 456 respondents representing different OH professions in Sweden. Data were collected using the Swedish short version of the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale adapted for OH ([AITCS]-SII[OH]), with its 3 subscales Partnership, Cooperation, and Coordination, and were analyzed and presented descriptively. Items and sum scores were dichotomized into inadequate and adequate and compared between sexes, workplaces, types of employment, and professions. According to the responses, items related to openness, honesty, and trust were perceived as adequate among the respondents. The findings show that perceptions about IPC differed among the professions. The perception of IPC also differed between different types of organizations. The results show diverse perceptions between professionals and organizations. The perception of IPC may be influenced by the professional's education in occupational safety and health. Study findings may be used to support further development of IPC in the OH service for the benefit of the clients. To develop IPC in the best interests of both professionals and customers/clients, further studies need to be performed to gain a deeper understanding of IPC in the OH context.

Penilaian Interprofessional Collaboration pada Puskesmas dalam Upaya Penanganan Stunting di Sulawesi Barat

Stunting is one of the problems faced by Indonesia, which is a developing country. The implementation of interprofessional collaboration practices is still not carried out optimally by health workers, including nurses. This study aims to assess the implementation of Interprofessional Collaboration in handling stunting in West Sulawesi. This type of research is a quantitative research design with a descriptive analysis design with a cross sectional approach. The instrument used in this study was the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale-II (AITCS-II) questionnaire. The results showed that the mean of the three indicators assessed, namely, partnership (3.97) cooperation (3.95), coordination (3.85), so that the overall assessment of the IPC (3.92) is in the category towards collaboration. Thus, it can be a concern for health service agencies to increase collaboration of health workers into good collaboration, especially in efforts to deal with stunting.

The contribution of interprofessional education in developing competent undergraduate nursing students: integrative literature review

BackgroundEffective interprofessional team collaboration is one of the necessary domains for successful interprofessional collaborative practices in healthcare (IPCP), which is crucial for the delivery of safe and quality healthcare services. Therefore, understanding the contribution of interprofessional education in nursing students is vital to improving collaboration practices in nursing students, in preparation for the dynamics that await after registration in practice amongst the interprofessional team. Thus, the aim of the study was to summarise the contribution of interprofessional education in nursing education in developing competent undergraduate nursing students.DesignThe integrative literature review design as described by Whittemore and Knafl was adopted for the review. The review consists of five steps, namely, problem identification, literature search, data analysis, data interpretation, and the last step was data presentation. Three databases were searched for the articles, namely CINHAL, Scopus, and Science Direct. Articles were retrieved using Search terms such as “Competence,” “Contribution,”, “Development,” “Interprofessional education” and “Undergraduate nursing students” retrieved Articles published between 2018 and 2022 were selected.ResultsThree themes emerged from the review, namely the promotion of patient safety in nursing practice, the socialisation of nursing students in interprofessional collaboration, and the promotion of the development of professional identity.ConclusionThis study is the first step in determining the contributions of early interprofessional education to nursing education. It could set the stage for further studies that examine strategies the undergraduate nursing curriculum can adopt and develop sound interprofessional competencies that promote patient safety and quality healthcare by nursing students.ImpactThe developers of the nursing curriculum and nursing educators can use the results in developing a curriculum that includes interprofessional education with the aim of improving the quality of teaching and learning that advances competent and safe nursing students.