633 Discussion VII

Interprofessional Collaboration and Communication

An example of effective interprofessional collaboration can be seen in the management of patients with chronic heart failure. In one hospital, a multidisciplinary team composed of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians worked together to implement a heart failure transition-of-care program. The team collaborated to review medications, provide dietary education, and ensure follow-up appointments after discharge. This coordinated approach significantly reduced 30-day readmission rates and improved medication adherence and patient satisfaction (Laugaland et al., 2021). Such teamwork underscores how interprofessional collaboration enhances communication, continuity of care, and patient outcomes.

Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for improving patient outcomes because it integrates diverse professional expertise into holistic care. When team members communicate effectively, it minimizes errors, improves patient safety, and increases patient engagement in their own care. The World Health Organization (2021) emphasizes that collaboration fosters shared decision-making, mutual respect, and role clarity—key components in high-reliability healthcare organizations. Research further supports that effective collaboration leads to fewer adverse events and greater staff satisfaction, which indirectly enhances care quality (Foronda et al., 2022).

Unfortunately, incivility and lateral violence can undermine these efforts. For example, a nurse may experience repeated dismissive comments or exclusion by a senior colleague, leading to emotional distress and decreased productivity. According to Clark (2022), such behaviors erode team cohesion, increase turnover, and threaten patient safety by disrupting communication.

The nurse’s role in addressing incivility includes documenting incidents, setting professional boundaries, and reporting behaviors through appropriate channels. Leaders play a pivotal role by modeling civility, enforcing zero-tolerance policies, and fostering a culture of psychological safety where staff feel empowered to speak up. Nurse leaders can implement structured debriefings and training in communication and conflict resolution to prevent recurrence (Milesky et al., 2023). Ultimately, respectful collaboration and supportive leadership cultivate environments that promote optimal patient care and professional well-being.

References

Clark, C. M. (2022). Fostering civility in nursing education and practice (2nd ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International.

Foronda, C., MacWilliams, B., & McArthur, E. (2022). Interprofessional communication and collaboration in healthcare: An integrative review. Nurse Education in Practice, 58, 103292.

Laugaland, K., Aase, I., & Aase, K. (2021). Interprofessional teamwork in transitional care: A qualitative study of nurses’ and physicians’ experiences. BMC Health Services Research, 21(1), 245.

Milesky, J. L., Baptiste, D. L., Foronda, C., Dupler, A. E., & Belcher, A. E. (2023). Nursing incivility: A concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79(4), 1247–1258.

World Health Organization. (2021). Framework for action on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. WHO Press.