Assessing factors influencing interprofessional collaboration amongst clinicians in outpatient care level four hospitals in Nairobi County: a qualitative study
Date
2022
Authors
Nta, Brigid
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Effective interprofessional collaboration in healthcare is crucial for delivering high-quality care in the context of the increasing burden on outpatient healthcare services. However, there is inadequate understanding of the existing interprofessional collaboration and the factors that influence its effectiveness amongst clinicians – physicians, clinical officers, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory personnel in the provision of outpatient healthcare services. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect interprofessional collaboration amongst clinicians in public, private and faith-based level 4 outpatient care. The study was guided by the following objectives: a) To explore the clinicians’ perceived role of leadership and management on interprofessional collaboration in the provision of outpatient care services in level 4 hospitals in Nairobi Kenya. b) To explore the effects of communication in interprofessional collaboration amongst clinicians in the provision of outpatient care services in level 4 hospital in Nairobi Kenya. c) To explore the effect of availability of resources on interprofessional collaboration amongst clinicians in the provision of outpatient care services in level 4 hospitals in Nairobi Kenya. d) To explore the extent to which healthcare workers’ skills, training, and development affect interprofessional collaboration of clinicians in the provision of outpatient care services in level 4 hospitals in Nairobi Kenya. This study focused on one private hospital, one public hospital, and one faith-based hospital. A qualitative approach and open-ended interview were used to collect data from the clinicians. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample the public, private and faith-based outpatient healthcare facilities and the clinicians. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study showed that the clinicians had knowledge about interprofessional collaboration. It also revealed that private and faith-based hospitals had leadership which supported and encouraged interprofessional collaboration unlike the public that respondents thought management needed to improve. All the participants in the facilities suggested interprofessional education on collaboration should be encouraged as this will foster better collaboration among clinicians, better relationships, enhanced team work and encourage shared knowledge. The study recommends utilisation of a functional ICT system to help in facilitating communication amongst clinicians, security and follow up for patient’s information and continuity of care. The study also recommends interprofessional education for clinicians as part of their training.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management at Strathmore University
Keywords
Interprofessional collaboration, Outpatient care, Level four hospitals_Nairobi County, Clinicians