THE FUTURE OF HEALTH SYSTEMS: MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE TEAM COLLABORATION, TRAINING AND TRANSITION IN HEALTH SYSTEM

Abstract

This thesis explores multidisciplinary healthcare team collaboration (MDHT) and the effectiveness of training as part of implementing an MDHT model. The governance of the MDHT model is analysed and studied as part of the transition of the health system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While existing scholarly research indicates that multidisciplinary healthcare teams can address complex healthcare problems and their use as integrated care grows, multidisciplinary teams do not necessarily perform effectively. Despite the potential of MDHT, existing scholarship warns that multidisciplinary teams may experience barriers to collaboration and knowledge sharing; hence, a research problem is established. Following a systematic review of the relevant literature to identify a research gap, this study deploys a qualitative methodology consistent with an interpretive paradigm to explore MDHT collaboration and the effectiveness of training in enhancing the transition to the MDHT model in the Saudi Health System. Interpretivist study must achieve an understanding incorporating the participants’ views, giving prominence to the research participants' subjective experiences of the transition towards an MDHT model. Consistent with this approach, novel quantitative insights into barriers and enablers that can account for and enhance MDHT collaboration were gained based on the experience of health professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The thesis also illuminates the lacuna of research evaluating the effectiveness of the training provided to MDHTs and offers novel insights into the effectiveness of training in supporting the MDHT model. In-depth insights into the shortcomings of training interventions relative to participant needs are gained, and in doing so, a unique evaluation of training relevance and utility in the MDHT context is provided. Finally, a significant practical contribution is made to those seeking to transition the Saudi Health care system to the use of MDHT teams. The importance of the supporting pillars of digitisation and privatisation are considered, with the former assessed by its contribution to facilitating efficient and effective knowledge sharing across the MDHT. The findings related to the governance of MDHT warn hospital administrators and policymakers of the importance of clear and consistent approaches to MDHT use as a form of integrated care and clear and consistent policy and practice guidelines for MDHT governance.