Professional Relationships Research Articles

Health professionals’ presence and attributes in connecting with parents of children with cancer: A qualitative study through the lens of compassion

PurposeThroughout a child's cancer treatment, health professionals (HPs) constitute an important source of support for the entire family. However, the understanding of their presence and essential attributes is unclear. This study explored HPs' presence and attributes in connecting with parents and identified facilitators and barriers for connectedness. MethodsThis qualitative study was undertaken in a compassion paradigm, designed and guided by Heidegger's and Gadamer's philosophical concepts, and employed compassionate methods. Data were generated through ethnographic fieldwork (144 h), parent interviews (n = 16), and focus group interviews with parents of cancer survivors (n = 2) and HPs (n = 3). Inductive content analysis was utilised to analyse data. ResultsMany HP-parent contacts developed into close, genuine connections based on HPs' great commitment and ability to balance the act of closeness and distance. This involved HPs’ sensitivity, humanity, humility, honest communication, genuine interest, and high clinical competencies; all promoting trust. Adapting and ending close relationships when approaching the end of treatment had little attention and was difficult for families, making some find ways of keeping contact on a personal level. Barriers disclosed were structural work changes, busyness, dishonest, poor, or lack of communication, and poor or lack of interpersonal chemistry. ConclusionHuman interconnectedness is powerful in long-term professional relationships and strengthens the parents. More research and clinical attention are needed to develop the understanding and help target actions toward building, maintaining, and ending relationships. Further, cultivating being present in the moment, through mindfulness and compassion, may support HPs in maintaining a receptive mind and a caring role.

Experiences of researchers with disabilities at academic institutions in the United States.

People with disabilities are underrepresented in higher education, facing systematic obstacles such as inaccessible communication and physical environments and difficulties obtaining accommodations. This study aims to shed light on barriers to accessibility and disability inclusion in research institutions through confidential qualitative interviews with researchers with disabilities. We recruited participants via virtual flyers. Eligibility criteria included working in the United States (U.S.) as researchers that had applied for grant funding (last five years), and self-identifying as having a disability. We offered participants (total n = 35) the option of either semi-structured one-on-one live or written interviews based on their preference. Two study team members analyzed written and live responses using thematic analysis to identify themes. Themes included identity/visibility, career trajectories, accessibility, accommodations, bias, representation, and inclusion. Some participants reported not disclosing their disabilities at work or during hiring processes due to fear of negative perceptions from peers or potential employers. Experiences around stigma and bias were noted both in professional relationships and when interacting with disability service offices, underscoring difficulties and delays in processes to secure accommodations. Respondents highlighted the lack of disability inclusion and low representation of people with disabilities in academia and elevated the importance of self-advocacy and of role models and mentors in shaping career pathways for future researchers with disabilities. Researchers with disabilities encounter systematic barriers at academic institutions, and lack of acknowledgement and research on these experiences has held back institutional and policy changes. To reduce disparities for researchers with disabilities, academic leadership must allocate resources to address ableism, create more inclusive environments, and raise standards beyond compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Cross-cultural comparison of low back pain in the nursing workforce: A pilot study.

This study aimed to analyse cross-cultural differences in the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and other back pain of general nurses in direct inpatient care in the Czech Republic (CZ) and Great Britain (GB). The survey was used using an extended standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and self-created additional questions. The data were analysed with Stata 15 using a significance level of 0.05. The data analysis was based on 1043 questionnaires. We identified statistically significant differences in the LBP prevalence between the respondents (CZ 93% and GB 85%) over a period of 12 months. Nurses in both countries stated a higher prevalence of LBP compared to pain in the neck, shoulders or upper back. LBP increases in relation to age, length of work experience, body mass index (BMI) and university education (BSc). Age, length of work experience, BMI and education (nursing college and master's degree) were confirmed as significant risks contributing to the increased prevalence of other back pain as well. Respondents reported a reduction in work performance, leisure activities and the need to change profession in relation to LBP. The results of the study confirm that LBP is a frequent occupational health issue in the general nurses working in direct inpatient care in both countries.

Voices of the accelerated: key themes when considering implementation of an accelerated medical school program

ABSTRACT In this rapid communication, accelerated undergraduate medical education is examined using prior literature as well as experiences of those who have completed or are in the process of completing accelerated medical curricula. The Consortium of Accelerated Medical Pathway Programs (CAMPP) hosts an annual multi-institutional conference for all its members. During the meeting in July 2023, a virtual panel was convened from multiple constituent programs (N = 4) including medical students (N = 2), resident physicians (N = 4), and faculty (N = 2). Panel participants represented current learners or graduates from accelerated pathways of varying specialties (N = 5) to share firsthand experiences about acceleration to an audience representing over 25 medical schools. Five key themes were identified for accelerated students and trainees: Reduced debt as motivating factor to accelerate, Feeling prepared for residency, Ideal accelerated students are driven, Ability to form early professional relationships, and Less time for additional clinical experiences. Discourse from the CAMPP panel can inform current and developing accelerated programs at institutions looking to create or improve accelerated learning.

“A Secret in Plain Sight”: Origin Stories From the Amy Morris Homans Cotillion

The story of the Amy Morris Homans Cotillion is little known outside the circles of those who founded and attended the event. In this article, we detail the origins of the Cotillion from its inception in 1982 to its final iteration in 2014. This underground social event provided a safe space for women to connect and create a lesbian community of joyful sisterhood with long-lasting professional and personal relationships. At its peak, the Cotillion gathered hundreds of women, inviting them to drink, dance, and dream of a better world. We place the Cotillion in the context of the historical development of women’s physical education and the field of kinesiology and use oral-history interviews with women who founded, organized, and regularly attended the Cotillion to create a narrative of the origins of this event.

Balint groups: an effective tool for improving health professionals’ perceived well-being

BackgroundPhysician burnout is a common problem that negatively impacts their well-being and patient care. Balint groups (BGs) deal with doctor-patient relationships. Previous studies that have demonstrated the positive effects of BGs are descriptive and based on small sample sizes. This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of health professionals who participated in BGs, determine the impact of BGs on their personal and professional well-being, and identify the factors related to these positive outcomes.MethodsOn January and February 2023 the authors have distributed a questionnaire to 142 healthcare providers in a conference and internet networks. Most respondents were family physicians.ResultsParticipation in BGs is seen to have a positive impact on healthcare professionals’ perceived well-being and professional development. Respondents who had participated in the BG reported a reduction in burnout, increased empathy, and enhanced professional identity and relationships with patients and colleagues. The study also highlighted the importance of duration of participation in BG, with attendance longer than 5 years linked to significantly more positive outcomes compared to less than 1 year. In a logistic regression analysis two factors were significantly associated with self-reported well-being: attending BGs for more than five years and perceiving BGs as a means of relieving burnout.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that medical organizations should encourage the regular availability of BGs to support physicians’ well-being.

Exercises to Improve Memory and Language Acquisition in EMP (English for Medical Purposes) Classes

The significance of writing skills cannot be overstated, as they are crucial for achieving success in professional settings and personal relationships. In our fast-paced world, written communication has become the primary avenue for obtaining information and interacting with other people. From writing emails, reports, CVs, and letters of application to preparing presentations, writing is an everyday task in most professions. The present paper is a review article which discusses approaches to the learning/teaching of writing, the main challenges that students are faced with while trying to develop their writing skills in English for Specific Purposes classes as well as ways to motivate them to develop their writing skills.

The Role of Writing in English for Specific Purposes Classes

The significance of writing skills cannot be overstated, as they are crucial for achieving success in professional settings and personal relationships. In our fast-paced world, written communication has become the primary avenue for obtaining information and interacting with other people. From writing emails, reports, CVs, and letters of application to preparing presentations, writing is an everyday task in most professions. The present paper is a review article which discusses approaches to the learning/teaching of writing, the main challenges that students are faced with while trying to develop their writing skills in English for Specific Purposes classes as well as ways to motivate them to develop their writing skills.

Self-assessment and Teacher-Assessment During an OSCE in Undergraduate Dental Students-Application of a Visual Metaphor

Background: Reflection on both student and teacher perspectives is crucial for effective communication and professional relationships during education. Objectives: This observational cohort study aimed to compare students' self-assessment with teacher assessments, as well as with estimated self-assessment and estimated teacher-assessment, using the pictorial representation of illness and self-measure (PRISM) during an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Additionally, it sought to compare self-assessment and teacher-assessment with OSCE scores. Methods: Fourth-year dental students (n = 44) were included at the beginning of their clinical course. Three tasks were selected for the OSCE exams: Oral examination on a model (task 1), matrix placement (task 2), and endodontic radiograph evaluation (task 3). Objective structured clinical examination scores were rated by an independent rater. Students and one of three calibrated teachers used PRISM to evaluate their respective assessments independently and blinded from each other. The relationships between the different assessments were determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: For task 1, a moderate correlation was found between students' self-assessment and estimated self-assessment (r = 0.44, P < 0.01). For task 2, moderate correlations were observed between self-assessment and teacher-assessment, estimated teacher-assessment and teacher-assessment, as well as between self-assessment and estimated self-assessment (P ≤ 0.01). For task 3, moderate correlations were found between self-assessment and teacher-assessment, and between self-assessment and estimated self-assessment (P < 0.01). A moderate negative correlation between self-assessment and the OSCE score was observed only for task 2 (r = -0.41, P = 0.01). Moderate negative correlations between teacher-assessment in PRISM and the OSCE score were found for all three tasks (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Self-assessment and teacher-assessment using PRISM exhibited task-dependent correlations, while results for estimated assessments varied. PRISM may serve as a promising tool for feedback and discussion in the future, as it seems capable of highlighting different views and expectations in the teaching context. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Intraprofessional cultural competence in nursing regulation: A critical content analysis of standards and codes in the United Kingdom, New Zealandand Australia.

There is a global shortage of nurses, leading many countries to recruit internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) to fill the gap. However, IQNs encounter challenges in integrating into their new professional environment, particularly in their interactions with locally qualified nurses (LQNs). Intraprofessional cultural competence (IPCC), defined as 'a set of congruent behaviours and attitudes that enable professionals to work respectfully and effectively in cross-cultural situations', may be a strategy to address these challenges. Content analysis was used to examine nursing regulatory documents (Standards for Practice [Standards]and Codes of Conduct [Codes]) from the United Kingdom, New Zealandand Australia. Data were extracted and organised based on four key themes relevant to IPCC. The analysis revealed a focus on 'Mutual collaboration and professional relationships' in six regulatory documents, with explicit commitments to preventing racism and discrimination in the Australian and NZ Codes. However, issues such as racism, discrimination, bullyingand harassment faced by IQNs are not comprehensively addressed, as the documents mainly prioritize culturally appropriate patient interactions over relationships between colleagues. Using regulatory documents to address IPCC may influence positive change such as improving communication, and preventing racism, bullying, discrimination and harassment within nursing.

Gender awareness among the undergraduate medical students: A cross sectional study from Hyderabad, India.

Physician trainees need to have robust gender awareness for better professional relationships and patient outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate (UG) medical students (MBBS) of a medical college in Hyderabad, India, in November 2022, to assess their gender sensitivity (GS) and gender-role ideologies. A pretested, structured English questionnaire was used for the study, to compute the Nijmegen Gender Awareness Scale in Medicine (N-GAMS) of the participants. The mean age of the students was 20.51 years, with the majority being women (112, 61.2%). The mean GS score was 3.11, while the mean scores for gender-role ideology towards patients (GRIP) and gender-role ideology towards doctors (GRID) were 2.56 and 2.56, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, a significantly better GS score was seen among medical students from urban backgrounds. Significantly more egalitarian GRIP was found among women, participants from urban backgrounds, and among those whose mothers were employed. Significantly more egalitarian GRID was found among women and participants whose mothers were employed. There was a significant negative, but low, correlation between the GS domain and the GRIP (r = - 0.241; p < 0.001) and GRID (r = - 0.192; p = 0.009) scores. There was a high, positive correlation between GRID and GRIP (r = 0.812; p < 0.001). Gender awareness is relatively low among Indian medical students and lower still among male students. It was higher among women, particularly among those whose mothers were employed and those who were from urban areas.

Utilizing professional relationships with at-risk children

A child can be considered at risk if their basic needs or not met or they are in danger of not having these needs met. Highly abnormal living conditions can directly harm personal development, learning, and integration into society. Working with at-risk children requires various educational approaches whose successful implementation depends greatly on the expertise of the personnel involved. This work aims to evaluate the use of relationship and educators’ understanding of it in interventions. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 teaching staff1 who work with children2 in various environments and organizations and subsequently analysed using open coding followed by thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with eight children’s home educators, eight counsellors and therapists, and ten elementary school teachers. Significant aspects of the understanding and use of relationship-building were identified which, while differing based on the focus of the contributors, demonstrated that relationship-building was the common denominator in all successful interventions in education and re-education.

Developing and delivering a migraine disparities and diagnosis undergraduate medical educational program to underrepresented in medicine medical student members of the Student National Medical Association: A pilot project.

Migraine is underdiagnosed. On average, medical students have approximately 3 h of exposure to headache education throughout medical school training. Moreover, some medical students have racially-based biases in pain. There is a paucity of underrepresented in medicine (UIM) headache practitioners. UIM practitioners are more likely to practice in underserved communities and provider-patient ethnic concordance may help eliminate healthcare disparities. The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is an organization committed to supporting current and future UIM medical students and addressing the needs of underserved communities. The goal of this project was to develop and deliver a brief Migraine Diagnosis and Disparities Undergraduate Medical Education Program (MD2UMEP) to increase awareness of migraine diagnosis and disparities in UIM medical students in the SNMA. For connecting/relationship-building with SNMA, the SNMA Region V website was reviewed. Calls were made to Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSUSOM) Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) explaining the educational initiative with subsequent emails to the Director of WSUSOM's ODEI followed by a video-conference meeting (VCM). VCMs were conducted with two SNMA member leaders from WSUSOM. A local and regional presentation/delivery of the MD2UMEP was planned. Communication was maintained electronically. For development/delivery of the MD2UMEP, headache literature was reviewed for key concepts underpinning migraine diagnosis and migraine disparities with a focus on African Americans. Slides with talking points were developed with references. Pre- and posttest questions were drafted and made accessible via a QR code. The MD2UMEP was presented and students completed the questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify responses. The MD2UMEP work began July 31, 2021, with program delivered in final form on October 1, 2022. A professional relationship was established with SNMA leadership. A MD2UMEP was developed then administered at the 2022 SNMA Region V Medical Education Conference. Headache medicine was introduced to UIM SNMA medical students. Anonymously, nine individuals responded to the MD2UMEP pretest questions. Eight individuals answered the posttest questions. At the program's conclusion, UIM student performance improved on seven of 10 test questions on migraine diagnosis and disparities and remained at 100% on one of 10 test questions. On two of the questions, the number correct remained the same (although percentage overall increased due to the smaller denominator). There was a higher proportion of correct responses on the posttest. There is great need for migraine diagnosis and disparities education among medical students. A new migraine diagnosis and disparities program was developed for medical students. SNMA members were receptive to the MD2UMEP and it strengthened their knowledge of migraine diagnosis and disparities. This program exposed UIM medical students to headache medicine.

A Coaching-Based Leadership Program for Women Postdoctoral Fellows at the National Cancer Institute that Cultivates Self-confidence and Persistence in STEMM

Despite making strides in gender equality, women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) continue to face a persistent underrepresentation in leadership roles. In an effort to reverse this trend, the National Cancer Institute created the Sallie Rosen Kaplan (SRK) Postdoctoral Fellowship, a year-long coaching-based leadership training program. The SRK program aims to empower women to explore careers across a broad range of fields, including academia, industry, and government, and to excel in leadership positions in those fields. Analyzing a decade of data from 111 participants, we describe the positive impact of the SRK program on participant's self-reported capabilities. Increased self-confidence, improved time management and work/life balance, enhanced goal-setting and attainment skills, and strengthened communication and relationship-building abilities are highlighted as statistically significant outcomes. Moreover, the program’s emphasis on coaching, mentorship, peer cohort support, and building lasting professional relationships also contributed to high ratings for satisfaction and value of the program. Successful programs like SRK can serve as a model for institutions striving to close gender gaps in leadership.

The “glass shoulder”: Patients’ lived experiences of a traumatic shoulder dislocation – A qualitative study

BackgroundAnterior shoulder dislocations have a high recurrence rate, often necessitating stabilizing surgery, with residual long-term fear of reinjury. ObjectivesTo explore patients’ experiences of anterior shoulder dislocations in relation to their lives, well-being, fear of reinjury, and future perspectives. DesignQualitative study. MethodsWe interviewed fourteen individuals (median age 27.5 yrs, range 21–40; two women) with traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation within 5 years, with or without past stabilizing surgery. We analysed data using Interpretive Description. ResultsWe constructed three main themes. (1) Downward wellness spiral: The injury shattered their lives, influencing their self-identity and -confidence. Sleep disturbances added to stress levels, loss, depression and grief. The re-injury risk could lead to social isolation. (2) Out of arm's reach: Recurrences led to frustration as the prior surgery and rehabilitation appeared to have been unsuccessful, having to start again. Support from healthcare providers and whānau/family was crucial to regain trust in the body. (3) Obligatory compromise: Over time, some individuals accepted the re-injury risk, learnt to heed warning signals, or compromised by avoiding specific social and recreational activities, changing their sports or to other roles in their preferred sport, and adapting work-related and daily tasks. ConclusionParticipants described in-depth socio-emotional responses following shoulder dislocations. Most participants described an ongoing interplay between fear and confidence in their shoulder. Healthcare provider support and professional relationship, on-going shoulder-related strengthening, and risk mitigation strategies were important to facilitate and maintain confidence and self-efficacy, and to re-consider and adjust the participant's goals when needed.

Professional identity of public librarians, archivists and museum professionals in five European countries

PurposeThe purpose is to investigate the professional identity of public library, archive and museum (LAM) professionals in Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Norway and Sweden.Design/methodology/approachThe data have been gathered through the administration of three questionnaires. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to explore the variations in the professionals’ perceptions of their professional proximities to the other LAM professions and other related professions, considering demographic factors such as age, education, gender and immigrant background of participants.FindingsThrough a lens of micro- and macro-professional identities, the findings underscore both clearly perceived role separation between the LAM professions and notable points of convergence, suggesting opportunities for collaborative efforts. The implications of these discoveries are discussed, offering a foundation for future research endeavors.Originality/valueThe study highlights the professions perceived to have the most and least similarity to LAMs based on questionnaire responses, providing valuable insights into the interplay between various professional domains.

Creating Job Satisfaction through Transformational Leadership and Compensation Factors in the Banking Sector

Employees ability to carry out their duties can be seen through their performance, so employee performance is significant for the company's success. Another important thing that companies must pay attention to regarding their human resources is the issue of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is an employee's attitude towards their work, the difference between the rewards received by the employee and what is considered something that should be received. Apart from the sense of job satisfaction felt by employees, the compensation provided by the company is also a factor in improving performance. Based on the urgency of the problem above, this research aims to analyze the influence of transformational leadership and compensation on job satisfaction. The theoretical benefits of this research are expected to contribute to understanding leadership theory in different conditions and situations, which better explains how someone becomes a leader and emphasizes character characteristics and actions adopted to increase compensation and job satisfaction in the organization. This research method uses a quantitative approach. The population in this study were all employees at BPR Malang Raya, totaling 471 employees. Meanwhile, the sampling technique in this research used the Slovin formula with results of 175 employees. The results of the analysis show that transformational leadership positively and significantly affects job satisfaction. The research above states that compensation positively and significantly affects job satisfaction. Transformational leadership can direct subordinates to do something to achieve satisfaction in professional development and working relationships with superiors and co-workers to create a feeling of happiness about the work produced.

Wounded healer nurses: a qualitative content analysis of the positive traits of nurses affected by chronic cardiovascular disease

BackgroundThe wounded healer concept refers to healthcare providers who, in the past, have had similar experiences to those of their clients and now draw on these challenging experiences to assist their clients. This study explored the positive traits of nurses with chronic cardiovascular diseases who transitioned to wounded healers.MethodsA qualitative content analysis study was conducted within hospitals in Tehran, Iran, between November 2023 and March 2024. Sampling was conducted using a purposive sampling method in accordance with the study objectives and inclusion criteria. The data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Twenty-three participants, comprising 16 females and 7 males, participated in the interviews. Data analysis was conducted by employing a qualitative content analysis approach, including creating codes, subcategories, generic categories, and main categories. MAXQDA v20 software was utilized to facilitate the analysis process.ResultsThe data analysis revealed one main category that aligned with the research question: the positive traits of a wounded healer nurse, consisting of three generic categories: (1) traits related to interpersonal and professional relationships; (2) traits related to the professional dimension; and (3) traits related to the personal dimension. wounded healer nurses demonstrate positive traits that enhance patient care.ConclusionsThe findings of this study have important implications for nursing practice and education. By identifying the positive traits exhibited by nurses as wounded healers affected by chronic cardiovascular diseases, nursing programs can emphasize and strengthen these qualities to convert challenges into opportunities and bridge the theory-practice gap.

The Expiration of the Obligation to substitute for Fulfillment

When we talk about the discharge of obligation, we refer to the situation where a person stops fulfilling their commitments or promises. There can be several reasons for this. One common reason is the inability to fulfill obligations, which can happen due to significant pressure on the person, either from other commitments or difficult circumstances. In such cases, the person may find themselves unable to fulfill their promises and obligations. Another reason could be a lack of interest in one's obligations. For example, the commitment may no longer be important to them, leading the person to ignore their obligations and bypass them without consideration. Alternatively, the person's surrounding circumstances may change, making the commitment unattainable. This can happen when there are changes in the person's economic, health, or social status. In such cases, the person may find themselves unable to fulfill their obligations due to the changes in their life. It is important to note that the discharge of obligation can have a negative impact on personal and professional relationships. When a person fails to fulfill their obligations, they lose credibility and others' trust in them. This can lead to deteriorating relationships and loss of professional opportunities. Therefore, it is important for a person to be honest and committed to their promises and obligations to maintain good relationships and achieve success in life. For the importance of this topic, I have written this brief research to understand how the discharge of obligation through a substitute for performance works. The discharge of obligation through a substitute for performance means that the person has not fulfilled their obligations or promises. There can be several reasons for this, such as the inability to fulfill obligations, lack of interest in obligations, or even changes in circumstances that make the commitment unattainable. Sometimes, the discharge of obligation can have a negative impact on personal and professional relationships, as the person loses credibility and others' trust in them. Therefore, it is better for a person to be honest and committed to their promises and obligations to maintain good relationships and succeed in life. Acceptance by the creditor, in the event of fulfilling his right, in exchange for what is intended by it to be replaced by all his dues and the deserving thing that almost serves as a substitute for this fulfillment. There are two pillars for fulfilling in exchange. There must be an agreement between the creditor and the debtor to replace the original place of fulfillment with the transfer of ownership of something else from the debtor to the creditor. The eligibility must be available in both parties, and the will of both parties must be free from defects, without any mistake, fraud, coercion, or exploitation, and the agreement must have a place and reason. The reason is to fulfill the original debt, and the place is to replace the original place with the transfer of ownership of something else from the debtor to the creditor. The agreement to fulfill in exchange should be proved according to the general rules of evidence, on the condition that if the creditor proves that he accepted to receive something he is not entitled to without reservation, then it is assumed, until the evidence proves otherwise, that he agreed for it to serve as a substitute for fulfillment. Agreement on the fulfillment in exchange is not enough; it must also be implemented by actually transferring ownership from the debtor to the creditor. Consequently, fulfillment in exchange cannot be done through a will, such as if the debtor bequeaths money to fulfill the debt, because a bequest can always be revoked and ownership of the bequeathed does not transfer to the beneficiary during the life of the testator. Also, fulfillment is not achieved if the debtor retains the right to reclaim the property he handed over as fulfillment of his debt.

Ambulance professionals' experiences of teamwork in the context of a team training programme – a qualitative study

BackgroundTeamwork in the context of ambulance services exhibits unique characteristics, as this environment involves a small core team that must adapt to a dynamic team structure that involves health care professionals and emergency services. It is essential to acquire a deeper understanding of how ambulance teams operate. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of ambulance professionals with teamwork and how they were influenced by the implementation of a team training programme.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was conducted involving ambulance professionals who took part in focus group interviews carried out both before and after the implementation of a team training program across seven ambulance stations within a Norwegian hospital trust. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis based on a deductive-inductive approach.ResultsOur analysis revealed 15 subthemes that characterised ambulance professionals’ experiences with teamwork and a team training programme, which were organised according to the five main themes of team structure, communication, leadership, situation monitoring, and mutual support. Ambulance professionals’ experiences ranged from the significance of team composition and interpersonal and professional relationships to their preferences regarding different communication styles and the necessity of team leaders within the ambulance service. The team training programme raised awareness of teamwork, while the adoption of teamwork tools was influenced by both individual and contextual factors. The Introduction/Identity, Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation (ISBAR) communication tool was identified as the most beneficial aspect of the programme due to its ease of use, which led to improvements in the structure and quality of consultations and information handover.ConclusionsThis study documented the diverse characteristics and preferences associated with teamwork among ambulance professionals, emphasising the particular importance of proficient partnerships in this context. Participation in a team training programme was perceived as a valuable reminder of the significance of teamwork, thus providing a foundation for the enhancement of communication skills.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov—ID: NCT05244928.