Perception on Interdisciplinary Team Work among Nurses

Abstract

Background: The evolving population demographics, healthcare system, and epidemiological transition have highlighted the need for interdisciplinary teamwork to deliver cost-effective and quality care. Despite its importance, research shows it is not consistently practiced in healthcare settings. This study aims to determine nurses' perceptions of interdisciplinary teamwork in clinical settings.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in selected tertiary hospitals, Kathmandu. Sample size was calculated using Cochrane formula and convenient sampling was used to enroll 216 nurses. Data were collected using a self-administered modified version of the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire (NP-PCOCQ). Frequnecy, percentage and mean were calculated as well as chi-square test was done for analysis.
Results: Among 216 nurses, 56.9% had negative perception of teamwork. The overall item mean score and standard deviation for NP-PCOCQ was 2.66 and 0.383, respectively. Perception regarding nurse-physician relations have the highest mean score and nurse-administrative relations have lowest. The majority of nurses in emergency and medical care had positive perception while those in surgical and critical care had negative perceptions of teamwork. The overall moderate perceptions of teamwork were reflected in the NP-PCOCQ score, highlighting the influence of clinical work environment on nurses' collaborative experiences.
Conclusions: Majority of nurses have negative perception of teamwork with nurse-administrative relations scoring the lowest among subscales. Organizations should create a supportive work environment through strategic planning, effective communication, and regular collaboration to ensure teamwork.
Keywords: Interdisciplinary teamwork; nurse practitioner; perception.