What is Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing? (With Examples, Benefits, & Barriers)
Written By:
Kelsey Bader
Kelsey Bader, BSN, RN
Kelsey Bader is a registered nurse from Louisiana. Kelsey has a diverse range of experiences. Some of Kelsey’s work experience includes bedside nursing in ICUs at various hospitals in COVID and non-COVID units, emergency rooms. Read Full Bio »» , BSN, RN
Are you a nurse interested in applying different principles of nursing and promoting effective teamwork? As a nurse, you know that interprofessional collaboration in nursing is an essential element in the delivery of high-quality healthcare, as it takes a team of interdisciplinary professionals to provide the highest quality patient care.
When I worked in the intensive care unit, I was able to see firsthand the impact that interprofessional collaboration had on a patient’s plan of care and overall outcome. I worked closely with members of other departments and relied on their expertise in their specific field in order to provide the patient with the best overall care. Maybe you understand the principle of teamwork, but maybe you find yourself asking, “Exactly what is interprofessional collaboration in nursing?” In this article, I will answer that question and provide you with some of my personal experiences and insight as to why I believe it is so important.
What Exactly is Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing?
Interprofessional collaboration in nursing encompasses the dynamic of teamwork that occurs between healthcare members of different departments in order to accomplish the common goal of providing quality, patient-centered care. This includes the collaboration of the nursing team with physicians, pharmacists, radiology staff, lab techs, physical therapists, occupational therapists, case workers, and anyone else involved in the patient’s care. By joining efforts and collaborating with different interdisciplinary team members, nurses are able to help provide holistic care to all patients.
Why is Interprofessional Collaboration Important in Nursing?
Interprofessional collaboration is important for many reasons. It allows each individual to bring a unique set of skills and expertise to the team. Each team member fulfills a different role and contributes to the patient’s care according to their title or degree. With varying scopes of practices and different educational backgrounds, each interprofessional team member contributes a different degree of knowledge toward the overall common goal of providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
I like to think of interprofessional collaboration as a huge puzzle, where each piece is just as important as the others, and the puzzle cannot be completed if even one piece is missing. I learned through the years that it was nearly impossible to fulfill the oath of my duty without the input of other departmental experts. In fact, there are so many times I believe I have been unable to care for patients without the services that lab, pharmacy, radiology, and other interprofessional team members provided. My job relied heavily on the results of tests or procedures that were conducted by other departments, along with their expert opinions. I used information from interprofessional collaboration to update and revise patient care plans to help improve their outcomes, something I could not have accomplished without the interprofessional team’s contributions.
4 Good Examples of Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing
As a nurse, you will encounter examples of interprofessional collaboration several times throughout just one shift. Your ability to provide quality care can be directly tied back to your ability to successfully collaborate with other team members. Interprofessional collaboration in nursing occurs any time you consult another department. Although there are endless examples that can be provided, the following are four of the main ones that come to mind when I think of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork.
Example #1: Collaboration with Physicians
When you think of interprofessional collaboration in nursing, one of the first relationships to come to mind is likely the dynamic between nurses and physicians. This is largely in part because a nurse’s course of action is usually directly influenced by the input of a physician. Physicians provide orders for nurses to carry out, relay updates and changes in the patient’s plan of care, and direct nurses in the next steps that need to be taken.
When a patient’s condition takes an unexpected turn, physicians are typically the first team members that nurses will call. With their broader scope of practice and advanced education, physicians can contribute a vital level of expertise to the overall care of patients. As a nurse, you will build a rapport and unique relationship with the physicians that you work with. As this relationship strengthens, you will be able to anticipate many of the choices that the physician will make depending on the circumstances.
Example #2: Collaboration with Pharmacy
Medication plays a huge role in the treatment of patients’ conditions. One of the primary roles you have as a nurse is to administer medications. While you should be familiar with most of the medications and their contraindications, it never hurts to utilize additional resources to ensure safety. This is where the team members in the pharmacy will become your best friends!
If you have a question about a medication you are about to give, or a question about the compatibility of two medications, then the team members of the pharmacy are there to help. If the Pyxis is out of a few of your patient’s morning medications and the restock hasn’t been completed yet, guess who you call to bring up your meds – you guessed it, pharmacy!
Example #3: Collaboration with Lab
Depending on your specific facility and the unit you work in, your level of collaboration with the lab may vary to some degree. As an ICU nurse, I was responsible for all of the lab draws that my patients needed. The lab team would then let me know if there was an issue with the sample or if a redraw was needed.
In some units, a lab tech will come and draw samples on each patient. Once the results are ready, and if a critical level is detected, a member of the lab typically calls and speaks with the patient's assigned nurse to report the critical value. I learned the importance of interprofessional collaboration with lab personnel working in the ICU. In the intensive care environment, critical levels must be addressed immediately, and this element of teamwork ensures that care is not delayed.
Example #4: Collaboration with Caseworkers
Caseworkers play a huge role in the progression of a patient’s stay and the transition from admission to discharge. A caseworker is responsible for getting approval from the patient’s insurance for care, services, and procedures. As the patient gets ready to be discharged, the caseworker will begin setting up any outside resources that the patient will require to safely transition to their next destination, whether that be home, LTAC, or another facility.
With each of these tasks, the caseworker must provide a significant amount of information about the patient’s condition and abilities. This is where the caseworker typically consults the nursing team that has been responsible for the patient’s care. As the nurse, you will have firsthand experience with the patient and be able to provide the details that the caseworker is seeking. With this mutual collaboration, you can also address any additional needs that you have recognized during your encounters with the patient.
5 Skills a Nurse Must Develop for Effective Interpersonal Collaboration
To be successful at interprofessional collaboration in nursing, you must possess certain skills and characteristics. Many of these skills can be practiced and intentionally incorporated into your day-to-day interactions. As with other skill sets, there is always room for improvement and growth!
Skill #1: Effective Communication
It’s not a new concept that effective
communication skills are required to be a contributing member of any team. This holds true in regard to interprofessional collaboration in nursing as well! In order to work together to better serve patients, you must be able to clearly and respectfully communicate with other healthcare members. Effective communication allows interdisciplinary members to share information, collectively solve problems, and develop a holistic plan of care. Strong communication skills among team members ensure that everyone stays informed and on the same page.
Skill #2: Teamwork
It could go without saying that
teamwork is at the center of any successful collaboration. Nurses must be both able and willing to work within a team setting to provide patients with the best possible care. By having a mindset grounded in teamwork, you can contribute to the overall success of the team and, in turn, improve patient outcomes.
If you have worked as a bedside nurse or had any amount of exposure to the healthcare environment, then you have already witnessed firsthand how it takes an entire team to adequately care for patients. Each department serves a unique purpose and provides vital expertise. As a bedside nurse, I worked with doctors, nurse practitioners, lab techs, radiology staff, physical therapists, speech therapists, and case workers - just to name a few. There were many times when I could not have performed my duties without the input of these team members.
Skill #3: An Open Mindset
As part of a team, there are going to be days when the chosen plan of action does not line up perfectly with what you would have decided if it were solely up to you. This is where having an open mind and being receptive to different points of view plays a vital role in the success of interdisciplinary collaboration. You cannot serve a team or your patients with a mindset that your way is the only right way.
We are all human! There are going to be times when we make a bad judgment call. Having a team to confer with helps reduce mistakes, but you must remain humble and realize you are not always right. Now, of course, if a decision is ever made that is not in the best interest of your patient, then you would rightfully advocate for your patient's rights. Outside of those situations, though, try to keep an open mind and remember that each healthcare member has a different level of expertise to share with the team.
Skill #4: Conflict Resolution
There will inevitably be disagreements when you have a team that is made up of numerous healthcare professionals from various specialties. As I already mentioned, having an open mindset directly impacts the overall success of the team. However, that does not mean that every member of the team will have an open mindset.
Unfortunately, there will be times when you have interprofessional team members who are hard to work with. You know the ones I’m talking about, the ones that believe they are always right, and they have zero regard for anyone else’s input. Between those individuals and the headstrong personalities that tend to make up the rest of the healthcare team, it is easy to see how conflict can occur. As part of the team, you will need to identify
conflicts as they arise, engage in open communication with the appropriate team members, and reach a mutual compromise that prioritizes the well-being of the patient.
Skill #5: Emotional Intelligence
To demonstrate effective interprofessional collaboration in nursing, you will need to learn to "read the room" and respond appropriately. Having a high level of emotional intelligence will allow you to recognize and effectively respond to the emotions and needs of team members, as well as patients and their families. With relationships that are built and established through interprofessional collaboration, emotional intelligence ensures the continued growth and development of those relationships. Being able to appropriately respond and successfully navigate the challenges that will come with such relationships is important to the ongoing effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration.
What are the Benefits of Interprofessional Collaboration for Nurses?
(The following are the top 8 benefits of effective interprofessional collaboration for nurses.)
Benefit #1: Professional Development
Professional development encompasses the development of a variety of skill sets and characteristics. Interprofessional collaboration in nursing provides nurses with the perfect opportunity to develop and practice many of these attributes. From leadership skills to effective communication, the collaboration that occurs between team members fosters both personal and professional growth among all members. Interprofessional collaboration also encourages networking, which plays a significant role in one’s professional development.
Benefit #2: Improved Patient Outcomes
As with many other professions, in healthcare, we are stronger as a team. When we utilize interprofessional collaboration in nursing, we can combine different levels of knowledge, expertise, and experience to provide patients with the best possible care and, in return,
improve patient outcomes. By joining forces, we can broaden our resources, and as a team, we are better equipped and qualified to handle any problems that arise. Patients receive more coordinated care when we all work together, which leads to a higher level of patient satisfaction and increased engagement in their own health. Overall, the collaborative approach positively impacts the patient!
Benefit #3: Increased Knowledge
Collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team enhances your knowledge base. Let’s be honest, there are going to be several occasions throughout your career where you do not have the right answer. Maybe it pertains to something outside of your scope, or maybe it has to do with an entirely different specialty. Knowing who to turn to for help plays a huge role in your success with interprofessional collaboration! When you seek support or help from other team members, you have the opportunity to learn something new. You can observe their response and actions regarding a specific situation, and you have the chance to ask questions. Taking an active role in the process of interprofessional collaboration is an excellent way to grow in knowledge.
I always enjoyed learning from members of other disciplines. For me, it kind of connected the dots on the bigger picture which is patient care. When respiratory therapists would make their rounds in our units, I would always go into the room with them and ask questions about the chosen treatments and the expected responses. For me, it was interesting to see how every department contributed something special towards the patient’s outcome.
Benefit #4: Increased Sense of Fulfillment
There is no better feeling than knowing that you made a positive impact on someone else’s day or life. For many of us, this is why we chose to take on the rigorous challenges that come with becoming a nurse. We want to make a difference! Interprofessional collaboration is another opportunity for you to do just that.
Many times, we as nurses, are the voices of the patients. We are able to relay pertinent information to other disciplinary team members. More often than not, the information we provide directly influences the changes that are made to the patient’s plan of care. Having such an impact and knowing that you can ensure the patient’s needs are met leads to a greater sense of fulfillment.
Benefit #5: Reduced Stress Levels
The good news is that the weight of every medical decision for a patient does not rest solely on your shoulders. While nurses do have a huge responsibility when it comes to patient care, you have an entire team of professionals you can turn to when you need guidance. Talk about relief! While knowing there are others you can call upon when needed may not completely eliminate the stress that comes with being a nurse, it definitely reduces it.
I did not realize the full impact that having a solid interprofessional team had until I worked at a very, very rural hospital. Nothing compares to the pressure of knowing that you are one of the very few team members responsible for a patient. There were definitely moments when I felt alone and truly missed the support of my interdisciplinary team at previous facilities.
Benefit #6: Resource Utilization
By embracing the idea of interprofessional collaboration in nursing, you will not only have an entire team of highly skilled, knowledgeable individuals on your side, but you will also gain access to countless other resources. These resources may include other staff members who help out when your unit is short-staffed, getting access to equipment, or even the opportunity to refer patients to outside facilities that offer specialized care.
As a team, you can pool resources together in order to provide the level of care that is needed. This also applies to departments that you may not be working directly with. For example, as an ICU nurse, there were times when I had to call on different departments - such as Labor and Delivery - to borrow equipment if ours was out of commission. By creating a mutually beneficial relationship with other departments throughout the facility, we were able to maximize resource utilization to better benefit all of our patients.
Benefit #7: You Can Provide a Better Approach to Holistic Patient Care
Holistic patient care is achieved when care is provided for an individual with the whole person in mind. This means taking into account the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs of the patient. Interprofessional collaboration in nursing allows the whole patient care team to provide patients with a holistic care approach. By working closely with members of each department, you can ensure that a holistic approach is maintained and delivered. Several departments address the different physical needs and, oftentimes, the emotional needs of the patient.
For example, as a bedside nurse, I could call upon the psych department if there were identified mental health needs or the hospital chaplains if my patient expressed a spiritual need. Within the framework of our interdisciplinary team, we had the means to address any need that the patient had or expressed.
Benefit #8: Healthier Work Environment
By actively participating in interprofessional collaboration in nursing, you can help foster a healthier work environment that encourages and promotes teamwork. The dynamic of teamwork helps to establish and strengthen the relationships between members of the interdisciplinary team. Within these established relationships, team members can rely on one another for guidance, fully utilize the available resources, and quickly resolve any conflicts that occur. This directly impacts the overall morale of the workplace and helps maintain a healthy work environment.
When you feel like your contribution to the team is valued and respected, you are more inclined to contribute in as many ways as you possibly can. Working closely with the interdisciplinary team throughout COVID-19 led team members to become like a tight-knit family. I knew that I could pick up the phone and call any one of my team members, and they would be there, no matter what.
5 Most Common Barriers Nurses Face in Interprofessional Collaboration
As with any dynamic of healthcare, there are going to be barriers that exist when it comes to interprofessional collaboration in nursing. The following are the five most common barriers that nurses face in interprofessional collaboration.
Barrier #1: Poor Communication
Just as
effective communication is one of the skills that a nurse must possess to be successful in interprofessional collaboration, poor communication can serve as a barrier to your ability to collaborate. Poor communication may not be your personal shortcoming. In fact, you may be an excellent communicator and you discover that your team member lacks communication skills. Communication is a two-way street, and your team members' inability to communicate effectively can negatively impact the success of a collaborative relationship.
Barrier #2: Lack of Respect and/or Trust
Have you ever worked with someone that seemed to question your every move and decision? Yeah, it wasn’t fun, was it? On top of being annoying, it can end up causing the focus to be taken away from patient care.
If you have not established a relationship with certain members of the interprofessional team, there may be a lack of trust or respect between the two of you. Maybe you have a personal bias that you need to closely examine that is impacting the way you feel towards a certain member of the interdisciplinary team. Regardless of the root of the issue, collaboration lacking respect and trust is one that is doomed from the beginning. This is why establishing strong interprofessional relationships of mutual respect and trust is vital to the overall success of interprofessional collaboration in nursing.
Barrier #3: Role Intimidation
Have you ever worked with a doctor or a specialist who made you feel intimidated? I have heard (and experienced myself) physicians who had reputations for being rude to anyone who was not a doctor. As if there is not enough pressure at work, being intimidated by someone because of their role or experience level can certainly be a barrier to interprofessional collaboration in nursing. Whether you are a new nurse or just have a more introverted personality, feeling intimidated by others can make you less inclined to contribute and actively participate in interprofessional collaboration.
I remember being so nervous as a new graduate in the ICU! Many of the physicians that we worked with were notorious for being blunt and unforgiving. One day, I just had to decide that I was going to fulfill my role to the best of my ability, and they would either recognize and appreciate that or choose to dislike me. No matter how they chose to feel, I always advocated for my patients! In the end, I ended up building strong relationships with each physician because they realized I was willing to do whatever it took to do right by the patient.
Barrier #4: Limited Resources
You may find yourself in a work environment where, despite everyone’s best efforts, available resources are just limited. Limited resources may mean limited staff or even limited equipment. As I mentioned earlier, working in a setting where you are one of the very few team members who are responsible for a patient can create a very high-stress work environment. When you are faced with limited resources, it puts an even greater strain on one’s ability to collaborate effectively.
Barrier #5: Lack of Adequate Training
As with every element of healthcare, proper training should be provided and completed when it comes to interprofessional collaboration in nursing. While you have most likely completed a training exercise that focused on teamwork, there are different dynamics involved when you start looking at interprofessional collaboration. Training allows facilities to define expectations, differentiate roles among team members, and provide a structured workflow for the team to reference during the collaboration process. Without proper training, team members may experience feelings of confusion and hesitancy toward the idea of collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.
My Final Thoughts
To be effective leaders and care providers, it is essential to incorporate interprofessional collaboration in nursing. Although the concept is familiar, some nurses still question, “Exactly what is interprofessional collaboration in nursing?” In this article, we discussed what interdisciplinary collaboration in nursing is and defined characteristics, skills, and barriers to effective collaboration. With the information covered in this article, you can positively impact effective collaboration among all members of the interdisciplinary team!
List Of Sources Used For This Article
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“What is Conflict Resolution in Nursing? (With Examples, Stages, Types, & Importance)” (
nursingprocess.org)
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“Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Inpatient Care” (
National Library of Medicine)
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“What is Holistic Care in Nursing? (With Examples, Principles, & Challenges)” (
nursingprocess.org)
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“Understanding the Impact of Interprofessional Collaboration the Quality of Care” (
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Kelsey Bader, BSN, RN
Kelsey Bader is a registered nurse from Louisiana. Kelsey has a diverse range of experiences. Some of Kelsey’s work experience includes bedside nursing in ICUs at various hospitals in COVID and non-COVID units, emergency rooms. Kelsey has worked in remote chronic care management, as a remote patient monitoring nurse, and has experience as an Assistant Director of Nursing.