Communication and Relational Ties in Inter-Professional Teams in Norwegian Specialized Health Care: A Multicentre Study of Relational Coordination.

ABSTRACT: Introduction:The delivery of integrated care depends on the quality of communication and relationships among health-care professionals in inter-professional teams. The main aim of this study was to investigate individual and team communication and relational ties of teams in specific care processes within specialized health care. Methods:This cross-sectional multi-centre study used data from six somatic hospitals and six psychiatric units (N = 263 [response rate, 52%], 23 care processes) using a Norwegian version of the Relational Coordination Survey. We employed linear mixed-effect regression models and one-way analyses of variance. Results:The mean (standard deviation) relational coordination total score ranged from 4.5 (0.33) to 2.7 (0.50). The communication and relationship sub-scale scores were significantly higher within similar functional groups than between contrasting functional groups (P < .05). Written clinical procedures were significantly associated with higher communication scores (P < .05). The proportion of women in a team was associated with higher communication and relationship scores (P < .05). Conclusion:The Relational Coordination Survey shows a marked variation in team functions within inter-professional teams in specialized health-care settings. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for these variations.

SUBMITTER: Hustoft M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6095090 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature