Patients and family members´ perceptions of interprofessional teamwork in palliative care: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Aims: To describe patients and family members' perceptions of interprofessional teamwork in specialised palliative care.

Background: Interprofessional teamwork is essential when delivering high-quality palliative care. Little attention has been paid to patients and family members' perceptions.

Design: A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 palliative patients and family members (n = 19) in four palliative wards, which were collected from May 2019 to November 2019. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. COREQ guidelines were followed.

Results: Patients' perceptions of interprofessional teamwork were described as the nature of interprofessional teamwork, a sense of community and patient participation. Family members' perceptions of interprofessional teamwork were described as the nature of interprofessional teamwork, the diverse expertise and the sense of community. Patients and family members' perceptions of interprofessional teamwork were nearly identical and were based on observed social situations or their assumptions. They trust that professionals are working interprofessionally, even if the teamwork cannot be observed. In palliative care, the nature of interprofessional care changes together with patients' condition and family members progressively need more professional support.

Conclusions: Conducting interprofessional care more openly could benefit the availability of different professionals' competence to patients and family members. In palliative care, the nature of interprofessional teamwork changes together with the patients' health condition. More information is needed about what constitutes an interprofessional framework and the required interprofessional competencies in palliative care.

Relevance to clinical practice: The findings show the importance of considering the patient's health status when interprofessional care is planned. However, professionals should recognise that a patient's weakening condition changes the focus more to the needs of the family members. It is acknowledged that IP teamwork requires time, but in PC settings, spending time on collaborative practices is not always possible.

Keywords: family members; interprofessional care; palliative care; patient; qualitative research; teamwork.