Interprofessional practice: beyond competence

Abstract

Interprofessional practice is commonly discussed in the literature in terms of competencies. In this study we move away from the theoretical notions of criteria, concepts and guidelines to adopt an ontological approach which seeks to stay as close to the lived experience as possible. Our research asked 12 participants from a variety of health disciplines to tell their stories of working interprofessionally. We sought to glean meaning from the lived experience. Our phenomenological hermeneutic approach and interpretation were informed by Heidegger and Gadamer. Rather than offering a thematic overview, in this article we share three stories from the research that were congruent with other stories. The first, told by a doctor, is of a resuscitation in an emergency department. It shows how the effective working together of the interprofessional team was more than each member following a resuscitation protocol. There was ‘something’ about how they worked together that made this story stand out, even though the patient died. The second story showcases how ‘who’ the person is makes a difference. This nurse makes an effort to get to know other staff as people, to find common interests. In such a way interprofessional practice comes to flourish. The third story shows how a physiotherapist and a psychologist joined in conversation to seek innovative possibilities for a challenging situation. In such a way each built on the others expertise and were excited at the success they achieved for the patient. From these ontological accounts we have come to see that interprofessional practice flourishes when practitioners are their authentic, caring selves. Who the person is matters.

Diversity, friction, and harmonisation: an ethnographic study of interprofessional teamwork dynamics

“…Harmonisation can bind distinct professionals and potentially opposing forces. Consistent with literature highlighting respect, trust, and the mutual acknowledgement of professional roles as conflict reducing factors [ 9 – 13 ], this study’s findings demonstrate how such harmonising elements function to connect team members. For example, when asked how the team members worked together despite professional differences, several informants emphasised the ability to learn and being responsive to the perspectives of other professions as an important factor in being a ‘trustworthy team member’.…”

“…Similarly, according to McDonald et al [ 12 ], respectful interactions based on trust promoted interprofessional collaboration. Lastly, Flood et al [ 13 ], found that interprofessional work flourished when professionals were open and responsive to the situation and each other.…”

Os efeitos da educação interprofissional na prática em saúde

“…Isso acontece por meio de práticas reflexivas intencionais, que promove o desenvolvimento da empatia, um componente crítico ausente dos modelos de formação e de prática profissional atuais. A prática interprofissional floresce quando os profissionais são autênticos, empáticos, cuidadosos e valorizam a pessoa mais do que a técnica 19,20…”

“…Neste sentido, essa sensação do outro estimulará os profissionais a tomarem decisões com mais rapidez e de forma mais assertiva, com grandes benefícios nos períodos de epidemia/pandemia, que exigem dinamismo nos diagnósticos e terapêuticas. O trabalho interprofissional em saúde durante o primeiro ano da pandemia de COVID-19 confirmou a importância do trabalho interprofissional e suas dimensões para a prestação de serviços mais abrangentes, mais resolutivos e mais seguros [19][20][21] .…”

Diversity, friction, and harmonisation: An ethnographic study of interprofessional teamwork dynamics

“…Similarly, after examining the collaboration between health professionals, both Pullon (11) and McDonald et al (12) found that respect, trust, and shared values and goals were important criteria for e cient collaborative work. Further, by analysing various health professionals' stories of interprofessional work, Flood et al (13), observed that such work ourished when professionals were open and responsive to the situation and each other.…”