Nurses' Descriptions of Interdisciplinary Interactions in Stroke and Geriatric Rehabilitation Units: A Case Example of the Registered Practical Nurse.

Abstract

Aim: To analyse how nurses describe their interactions with other interdisciplinary team members within stroke and geriatric rehabilitation.

Design: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional ethnographic interview data was conducted using Elo and Kyngäs' (2008) deductive content analysis.

Methods: Between April 12 and July 25, 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 registered practical nurses recruited through convenience sampling from three tertiary hospital sites in Southwestern Ontario. Interview transcripts were reviewed to identify described interactions between nurses and interdisciplinary team members and were coded for: who were the interdisciplinary team member(s) involved; what content was addressed; and where, when, and why the interaction occurred.

Results: Categories representing how nurses describe their interactions with interdisciplinary team members were as follows: (1) arising from the unique roles owned by either the nurse or interdisciplinary team member(s); (2) requiring open communication to achieve patient goals and improve patient care; (3) occurring within what is perceived to be either the therapists' or nurses' physical space; and (4) contributing to supportive team environments that are mutually beneficial.

Conclusions: While nurses view other interdisciplinary team members as 'owning' certain roles and physical spaces within rehabilitation, they also recognised their 'owned' spaces and roles. Unique contributions of all team members were valued as necessary to provide holistic, person-centred patient care and positive team-based support.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Nurses' descriptions of their interactions with interdisciplinary team members demonstrated their essential contributions to team-based patient care and acknowledged nurse contributions to the rehabilitation process for patients.

Impact: Findings elucidate the nature of interprofessional interactions and 'ownership' within the rehabilitation process. Results are beneficial for policymakers, educators, and healthcare organisations aiming to optimise the nursing role within rehabilitation spaces.

Reporting method: The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Checklist (COREQ).

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.