Interprofessional collaboration between junior doctors and nurses in

the general ward setting: A qualitative exploratory study

Charmaine J. Tang RN, Bsc (Nursing) (Hons), Wen T. Zhou RN, Master in Nursing, Sally W.-C. Chan RN, PhD, Sok
Y. Liaw RN, PhD
First published: 27 November 2017
https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12503
Citations: 55

Abstract

Aim

To explore the collaboration experiences of junior physicians and nurses in the general ward setting.

Background

Junior physicians and nurses do not always work collaboratively and this could affect the quality of patient
care. The understanding of the issues affecting junior physicians and nurses working together is needed
to inform strategies to improve interprofessional collaboration.

Methods

Nineteen junior physicians and nurses were interviewed in 2012 and 2013. Interviews were transcribed
and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Junior physicians and nurses acknowledged the importance of working collaboratively to achieve better
patient care, but they are struggling to cope due to heavy clinical workload, organisational constraints and
differing power relationships. Nurses have to take on more responsibilities in the decision-making process
of patients’ care to foster effective interprofessional collaboration.

Conclusion

The study calls for educational and organisational strategies to improve interprofessional collaboration
between junior physicians and nurses.

Implications for nursing management

Nurse leaders should ensure that ward nurses are given a designated time to participate in ward rounds
with physicians and have access to a communication tool that assists them in contributing proactively in
the decision-making process of patient care.

REFERENCES
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jonm.12503