Attitudes of Nurses and Physicians Towards Nurse-Physician Interprofessional Collaboration in a Tertiary Hospital in Somalia: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between nurses and physicians is essential for improving patient outcomes, healthcare efficiency, and professional satisfaction. However, in Somalia's resource-limited healthcare system, deeply rooted hierarchies, inadequate interprofessional education, and systemic constraints hinder effective collaboration. This study examines the attitudes of nurses and physicians toward IPC in a tertiary hospital, shedding light on challenges and opportunities for enhancing teamwork and patient care in this context.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary hospital, targeting nurses and physicians with a minimum of six months of clinical experience. Given logistical and accessibility constraints, a nonprobability convenience sampling approach was used to select 258 participants. Data were collected through a validated, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Jefferson Scale of Attitudes toward Nurse-Physician Collaboration. After accounting for incomplete responses, the final sample size was 250. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to assess attitudes and associated factors.

Results: Most participants (88.8%) acknowledged that shared education fosters better role understanding, while 87.6% emphasized the value of collaborative training. A statistically significant difference was observed in perceptions of physician authority (p = 0.039), with nurses demonstrating a higher recognition of physician leadership. However, no significant differences emerged regarding shared education (p = 0.293), the balance between caring and curing (p = 0.208), or nurse autonomy (p = 0.453). These findings highlight prevailing hierarchical structures and the potential for improved interprofessional training.

Conclusion: While overall attitudes toward IPC were positive, entrenched hierarchical norms and differing perceptions of authority remain significant barriers to effective collaboration. Addressing these challenges requires structured interprofessional education programs, policies promoting role equity, and hospital-wide initiatives to foster a culture of teamwork. Strengthening IPC in Somalia's healthcare system could enhance patient care, optimize resource utilization, and improve professional satisfaction in a setting where collaborative practice is crucial for overcoming systemic limitations.