How does trust emerge in interprofessional collaboration? A qualitative study of the significance, importance, and dynamics of trust in healthcare teams and networks.

Abstract

The current healthcare context is characterized by increasing care complexity, chronic illnesses, an aging population, and staff shortages. In this setting, care quality is strongly linked to the ability of healthcare workers from various professions to collaborate efficiently and cohesively. Trust is widely regarded as a crucial prerequisite for effective teamwork, yet it can be compromised by multiple factors. This qualitative study, employing phenomenological and critical incidents approaches, aims to better understand the phenomenon of interprofessional trust and to explore its main determinants and consequences. Interprofessional trust is primarily described as a positive expectation that a colleague will act professionally and prioritize patient needs. Several factors contribute to its development: the quality and regularity of relationships, individual attitudes, and organizational factors such as an interdisciplinary culture, horizontal management, and sufficient staffing. Interprofessional trust influences professionals' psychological safety, job satisfaction, self-efficacy, and sense of meaning at work. It is also considered to enhance interprofessional collaboration, teamwork efficiency, care quality, and patient well-being and safety. This article presents a detailed model of the dynamics of trust and its importance in the context of interprofessional teams and networks.