Factors influencing teamwork in a paediatric interventional radiology team

Abstract

Background

Successful interprofessional teamwork is fundamental for safe and high-quality healthcare. Teamwork enablers and barriers have been studied in settings such as operating rooms but there are few studies in interventional radiology. Relevant factors include communication, stress, and clinical complexity.

Objectives

To determine factors influencing teamwork in a paediatric interventional radiology team, compare them with the existing literature, and identify improvement opportunities.

Materials and methods

A qualitative case study was performed. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews, followed by a validated online survey. Registered nurses, medical radiation technologist, physicians and administrative staff were included. An inductive approach was utilized to perform a thematic analysis, assisted by the NVivo 12 data organization software.

Results

All professional groups were represented in 17 interviews and 20 survey replies. Seven themes were identified: functional teamwork; communication; stress and patient complexity; learning opportunities; processual complexities; organizational support; and hierarchy. Teamwork enablers were adequate team function, collegiality, and collaboration; and barriers were communication issues, stress, and lack of feedback. Improvement opportunities included team building activities and interprofessional learning. There were differences in the perception of team performance in different professional groups, with registered nurses having the lower perception of communication.

Conclusion

Factors influencing teamwork found in the paediatric interventional radiology team studied were similar to those reported in the literature for the operating rooms including, communication, collaboration, stress, and hierarchy. Awareness of these factors is crucial for patient safety, job satisfaction, productivity, and team function. Different professional groups have diverse perceptions and challenges. Teamwork improvement strategies require multilayer interventions at the personal, team and institutional level.