Examination of the perception of communication and collaboration in a neonatal intensive care unit: a decade on, has it changed?
Laurene Aydon A C D , Kathy Martin A and Elizabeth Nathan BA Neonatal Clinical Care Unit, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia. Email: kathy.martin@health.wa.gov.au
B Women and Infants Research Foundation Western Australia, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia. Email: liz.nathan@uwa.edu.au
C School of Child and Paediatric Health, Centre for Neonatal Research and Education, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: laurene.aydon@health.wa.gov.au
Australian Health Review 38(3) 350-353 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH13150
Submitted: 26 July 2013 Accepted: 27 January 2014 Published: 8 May 2014
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to ascertain the perception of communication and collaboration within and between the groups of medicine and nursing in a neonatal unit.
Methods The study used an analytical cross-sectional design involving both doctors and nursing staff in the neonatal clinical care unit (NCCU). A quantitative questionnaire using a Likert scale format, accompanied by an open-ended question, provided a snapshot of the perception of communication and collaboration within the NCCU.
Results Significant differences were noted between the two disciplines. Medical staff were satisfied overall with the communication. They perceived communication was more open, timely and that a mutual understanding existed. They thought teamwork was good. As time of employment in NCCU lengthened, the understanding between the groups lessened. Problems with the handover information emerged for both medical and nursing staff. Both groups felt problems were due to the hierarchical system.
Conclusion Within the NCCU the perception of communication and collaboration is rated more highly by doctors. This has implications for the overall care of babies and for safety issues. Education is needed in the neonatal unit to identify and bridge gaps in communication and enhance teamwork.
What is known about this topic? Doctors rate their inter-professional communication and collaboration with nurses much higher than nursing staff in many areas of health care, including the neonatal clinical care unit.
What does this paper add? There has been little change in the perception of communication and collaboration in the neonatal unit over the past decade. This is despite a change in professional roles and an emphasis on working together to improve safety in medicine. This paper provides a snapshot experience of a neonatal unit striving to work together at the bedside, from admission to discharge.
What are the implications for practitioners? Strategies need to be implemented to educate the workforce to work together as a team to deliver total safe care.
Additional keywords: neonatal clinical care unit, safety, satisfaction perception.
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