Physician’s Perceptions of Interprofessional Collaboration in Clinical Training Hospitals in Northeastern Japan

Abstract

BackgroundEffective and efficient interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is needed between departments in a healthcare setting. Although Japanese physicians are expected to provide leadership in IPC, it has been suggested that their perception of IPC is more negative than among other healthcare professionals. The purpose of this study was to clarify Japanese physician’s perceptions of IPC and what factors influenced their views.MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed 732 medical doctors at a university hospital and six foundation hospitals in a prefecture located in Tohoku district, northeastern Japan. Those hospitals were approved for delivery of postgraduate clinical training. Physician’s perceptions of IPC were investigated for three items, namely providing patient-centered care, preventing medical accidents, and improving the quality of medical care. A total of 409 doctors who were engaged in clinical practice, responded adequately to the survey. Factors associated with negative perceptions towards IPC among physicians were analyzed using a logistic regression model.ResultsThe proportion of negative perceptions of IPC for providing patient-centered care, preventing medical accidents, and improving the quality of medical care were 41.1%, 34.0% and 33.7%, respectively. Negative perceptions of IPC for providing patient-centered care were associated with older age (50 + years; odds ratio (OR): 2.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11 - 6.68) and a lower frequency of interprofessional meetings (no meetings; OR: 2.95; 95%CI: 1.43 - 6.08). Negative perceptions of IPC for preventing medical accidents were associated with a lower frequency of interprofessional meetings (no meetings, OR: 3.23; 95%CI: 1.58 - 6.62). Negative perceptions of IPC for improving the quality of medical care were associated with middle age (40 - 49 years, OR: 2.93; 95%CI: 1.20 - 7.12) and a lower frequency of interprofessional meetings (no meetings; OR: 2.75; 95%CI: 1.34 - 5.66).ConclusionsPhysician’s negative perceptions of IPC in our study were associated with age and a lower frequency of interprofessional meetings. Our findings suggest that effective regular interprofessional meetings serve to share information about patients, and to allow physicians to understand each other better, which should have a positive impact on the quality of patient-centered care.

Understanding the impact of interprofessional collaboration on the quality of care: a case report from a small-scale resource limited health care environment

“…Shortcomings in communication around patient care could also be linked to organizational and individual factors (work attitude and personal behavior). Our results align with other studies which demonstrate that mutual understanding of team treatment plans,23 interprofessional meetings,14 and interprofessional attitude24,25 are crucial areas of patient care which need improvement. For optimal collaborative interactions, sharing of skills and knowledge is necessary and leads to high quality patient care.…”

“…These results clearly indicate the need for training and designing improvement programs which focus on interprofessional communication for all health care professionals involved. Investing in clear procedures for team treatment plans, effective colleague interactions (at meetings) should improve interprofessional communication as well as the quality of patient care 14. In-house continuous education programs should also focus on these areas.…”

“…The recent introduction of patient centered approach in health care has been an important development which requires effective teamwork and interprofessional communication 2. Several studies on adverse events and incidents have shown that positive outcomes in the quality of patient care have been associated with effective interprofessional communication 12–14. Studies about intensive care unit team members have also shown that acknowledging the concerns of every member in the health care team has a positive effect on patient outcome 21…”

The difficulties of interprofessional teamwork in diabetes care: a questionnaire survey

“…Frequent, high-quality communication and strong relationships among health care providers are important to maximize the quality of care, improve the efficiency of care, and improve clinical outcomes 5,12–14. However, according to the present survey results, some medical personnel have difficulty communicating with other professionals or have never experienced interprofessional meetings or conferences.…”

“…Unequal power – in other words, hierarchy – is another main issue regarding teamwork and communication difficulties 5,15–19. While better communication and the development of relationships between health care professionals can be valuable, even within a hierarchical system,12 nonphysician staff remain reluctant to complain to other professionals, particularly physicians.…”