Exploring Healthcare Professionals Perceptions and Experiences of Inter Professional Collaboration in Critical Care

Abstract

Abstract Background: In high-pressure environments, interprofessional collaboration (IPC) in intensive care units (ICUs) is essential for effective patient care. However, collaboration between healthcare professionals is impeded by communication breakdowns, professional silos, and hierarchical practices. These barriers hinder the quality of care, leading to ineffective patient care. Team effectiveness and patient outcomes in critical care settings will improve if the barriers are addressed. Aim: This study aims to explore and synthesise healthcare professionals' perceptions and experiences regarding IPC in ICU settings Methodology: The systematic literature review was carried out on multiple academic databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review was based on qualitative studies published in the past decade, where each study was critically appraised using the CASP tool. A summary of data synthesised through thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework of developing key themes and information is provided. Results: Three main themes emerged in the review: fostering collaboration, barriers to effective collaboration, and impact on patient and professional outcomes. Each of them was further divided into two or three subsections to explore the topic further. Ineffective patient care was found to be due to poor communication, difference in terminologies, time pressures and role definition. However, interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives such as multidisciplinary teams and respect among team members promoted IPC. A practical approach to overcome these barriers and create a collaborative environment was found to be effective leadership. Effective leadership was found to address these barriers and create an organizational culture that would enhance quality patient care in ICUs. Conclusion: Improving IPC in ICUs is possible by addressing communication barriers and time pressures, defining roles, applying regular multidisciplinary team (MDT) rounds, and developing IPE programmes and incorporating them into healthcare training and policy development. These recommendations are needed to improve patient care and team dynamics and, therefore, lead to better clinical outcomes in ICUs.