Teamwork Among ICU Physicians and Nurses in Phnom Penh: A Mixed Methods Investigation

Abstract

A better understanding of the inter-professional relationships that shape high quality care delivery in the ICU is fundamental to improve communication and optimization of a healthcare team1,3,7,12. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of nurses and physicians regarding teamwork and communication in the ICU setting of two hospitals in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted and a quantitative questionnaire was given to twenty-eight staff. Emerging categories: the current perspective of communication and teamwork, characteristics of and factors that enhance or impede communication, and teamwork goals/integration of effective training modalities. Inductive and deductive coding and constant comparative analysis resulted in seven major themes. Key findings include: perception of the current state of teamwork and communication is poor, age is a major factor influencing norms of communication, and desire to develop stronger communication and teamwork skills was high. This study will be a foundation to tailor a skills-based training targeted at improving communication and teamwork among physicians and nurses.