AN EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAMWORK ON PATIENT OUTCOMES AT ST. LUKE HOSPITAL IN UYO

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Healthcare involves the participation of patients, their family members, and highly skilled medical professionals. Effective teamwork and collaboration are essential for delivering exceptional care (Lam, 2023). The primary stakeholders involved in the drug administration process in healthcare institutions are nurses, physicians, chemists, and patients. These individuals play crucial responsibilities in various aspects of pharmaceutical management, including prescription, dispensing, administration, drug intake, medication tracking, assessment, and patient consultation (Xiang, 2021). Interdisciplinary teams have the potential to be more productive, useful, creative, and risk-averse compared to standard functional teams. This is achieved by facilitating the early resolution of a diverse array of ideas, concerns, and compromises in order to minimise the occurrence of costly errors, rework, and miscommunication (Lam, 2023).

 According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2017, there is a global shortage of healthcare professionals, and governments are actively looking for new approaches to develop policies and programs. In the medical field, interdisciplinary team collaboration is crucial for the advancement of a healthcare profession that emphasises teamwork (Park et al., 2021). Interprofessional therapy encompasses the strategies employed to deliver optimal medical care that not only benefits patients but also achieves desired outcomes and patient satisfaction (Anders et al., 2019). An interdisciplinary approach is necessary for analysing cooperative techniques in medical treatment. Interdisciplinary approaches, in contrast to multidisciplinary methods, have the advantage of fostering a collaborative approach across multiple disciplines that share the goal of addressing an individual's medical condition. The collective expertise of these specialists enables the implementation of effective integrative treatments over an extended period (Lam, 2023). 

Moreover, medical professionals consider improved interdisciplinary teamwork and communication to be crucial elements for boosting clinical efficiency and job satisfaction (Patrice et al., 2019). A 2018 study was conducted to evaluate the influence of multidisciplinary collaboration on errors in the medical profession, as communication challenges often contribute to pharmaceutical errors. The study identified five essential areas of interdisciplinary collaboration. The categories included contact facilitated by tools such as instructions, rules, and interaction logs; pharmacy involvement in interdisciplinary teams; collaborative assessment of medications upon admission and discharge; cooperative courses and seminars; as well as the intricacies of job variation and environment (Carmichael, 2018). Contrary to the positive results of the prior investigation, it was seen that medical errors continued to occur. There is a need to prioritise the development of tailored and individualised strategies. It is necessary to have a better understanding of the changing status of different disciplines (Lam, 2023). Brem, Puente-Diaz, and Agogué (2017) evaluate the contemporary resources for effectively handling innovation in creative endeavours and recommend for a broader interdisciplinary approach. Given the complex nature of medical services, which require expertise and methods from multiple sectors, it has been recognised that successful healthcare delivery organisations rely on cooperation and interdisciplinary teamwork. The combination possesses an explanatory nature that can be discerned by examining the viewpoints of healthcare professionals and the importance they attribute to teamwork (Carmichael, 2018). 

A systematic review was conducted to incorporate the most up-to-date research on the proficiency of healthcare personnel in cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration within the primary care setting. The review found that there are significant obstacles, including ideological, corporate, fundamental, and social barriers, that medical professionals face in promoting teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration in primary care centres (Adebayo et al., 2019). In order to evaluate the impact of introducing a structured interdisciplinary measurement tool to formalise nurses' participation in rounds, on the effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration, specifically between healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors, as well as to assess the potential influence of these rounds on measurable patient care outcomes, interdisciplinary rounds present an attractive method for improving interprofessional collaboration in emergency rooms. The outcomes contribute to the growing body of evidence that interdisciplinary rounds enhance teamwork and positively impact the quality of patient care during delivery (Ikenna et al., 2019).

St. Luke Hospital, situated in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is an ideal scenario to analyse the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration on patient outcomes. St. Luke Hospital, a prominent healthcare provider in the region, must effectively handle a large influx of patients who have diverse health concerns. Effective collaboration among healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, chemists, physiotherapists, and other specialists, is essential in this setting to guarantee the best possible care for patients. The study seeks to assess the influence of interdisciplinary collaboration on patient outcomes at St. Luke Hospital in Uyo, emphasising the significance of cooperative healthcare in attaining favourable health results. The research will enhance the overall comprehension of how collaboration among healthcare workers may be optimised to enhance patient care and provide insights for improving teamwork in similar healthcare environments.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Interdisciplinary cooperation is now widely acknowledged as a crucial element in enhancing patient outcomes within healthcare settings. St. Luke Hospital in Uyo employs a diverse range of healthcare specialists, including as physicians, nurses, chemists and therapists, who work together to deliver complete care. Nevertheless, despite the recognised advantages of interdisciplinary collaboration, there is a scarcity of actual data about its precise influence on patient outcomes in this specific hospital context.

Communication is a prevalent obstacle in professional collaboration. Efficient communication is crucial for the dissemination of information, establishment of trust, resolution of conflicts, and maintenance of patient safety (Lam, 2023). Communication hurdles may emerge due to several variables, including language, culture, jargon, technology, and personality (Ire eta al., 2019). In order to surmount obstacles in communication, the team must employ unambiguous, courteous, and all-encompassing language, refrain from making presumptions and relying on stereotypes, actively solicit feedback and seek clarification, and utilise suitable tools and channels (Lam, 2023). Role misunderstanding is a frequently encountered difficulty in professional collaboration. Role confusion arises when there is a dearth of clarity or consensus regarding the specific duties and responsibilities assigned to each member of the team (Amos et al., 2019). This might result in the replication, exclusion, or contradiction of tasks, as well as feelings of irritation, animosity, or distrust among team members. In order to address role confusion, it is necessary to define and effectively communicate explicit job expectations, boundaries, and goals. Additionally, it is important to demonstrate respect and appreciation for the expertise and contributions of each team member. Lastly, tasks and choices should be negotiated and coordinated among team members (Jaye, 2022).

Power dynamics are a frequently encountered obstacle in professional collaboration. Power dynamics encompass the capacity to exert influence and exercise authority that team members possess in relation to one another and the patient (Lam, 2023). The quality and fairness of professional collaboration, as well as the patient's independence and choices, can be influenced by power dynamics. Power dynamics can arise from various factors, including education, expertise, status, gender, or cultural background. In order to address power dynamics, it is necessary for team members to identify and acknowledge the various origins and effects of power, foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, and enable the patient and their family to actively engage in their own care (Levi, 2021). Professional collaboration often involves encountering ethical challenges. Sanusi (2023) states that ethical difficulties occur when there is a clash of values, ideals, or interests amongst team members or between the team and the patient. Ethical problems present challenging enquiries and choices, such as how to reconcile the principles of doing good and respecting individual autonomy, how to uphold secrecy while yet disclosing necessary information, or how to distribute resources and prioritise various demands (Newman, 2018). In order to address ethical challenges, it is necessary to identify and analyse the ethical concerns, consult appropriate policies and norms, participate in polite and constructive conversation, and strive for consensus or compromise (Lam, 2023).

Interdisciplinary teamwork is challenging, yet essential for delivering patient-centered and comprehensive care. The challenge lies in comprehending the effectiveness of collaboration among these diverse experts and the impact of their teamwork on different patient outcomes, such as rates of recovery, patient satisfaction, and overall health improvement. Interdisciplinary collaboration is anticipated to improve communication, optimise care processes, and offer comprehensive treatment plans (Lam, 2023). To overcome frequent problems as a patient advocate, one must utilise excellent communication, clarify roles, be aware of power dynamics, and employ ethical reasoning abilities. Nevertheless, it is crucial to assess whether these cooperative endeavours are resulting in quantifiable enhancements in patient outcomes at St. Luke Hospital. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate the influence of interdisciplinary teamwork on patient’s outcome at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To determine whether interdisciplinary teamwork is practiced at St. Luke Hospital.

To assess the Impact of Interdisciplinary Teamwork on Patient Outcomes at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo

To assess the Impact of Interdisciplinary Teamwork on Patient Satisfaction at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo

To identify barriers to effective interdisciplinary teamwork at St. Luke Hospital

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

Is interdisciplinary teamwork practiced at St. Luke Hospital?

What is the Impact of Interdisciplinary Teamwork on Patient Outcomes at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo?

What is the Impact of Interdisciplinary Teamwork on Patient Satisfaction at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo?

What barriers hinder effective interdisciplinary teamwork at St. Luke Hospital?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Interdisciplinary Teamwork has no significant impact on Patient Outcomes at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo.

Ha: Interdisciplinary Teamwork has significant impact on Patient Outcomes at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study is important because it offers practical insights into the effects of interdisciplinary teamwork on patient outcomes, influences healthcare practices, facilitates professional growth, and adds to overall enhancements in patient care and satisfaction. 

This study examines the impact of interdisciplinary teamwork on patient outcomes, offering insights into how coordinated care can improve the quality of patient services. Gaining insight into these processes can result in enhanced treatment strategies, increased rates of recovery, and an overall elevated standard of care. The study aims to examine the correlation between cooperation and patient satisfaction, shedding information on how collaborative care affects patients' impressions of their treatment. Enhanced contentment might result in improved patient loyalty and overall favourable health results.

Moreover, the discoveries can assist in improving the methods and procedures of interdisciplinary collaboration at St. Luke Hospital. An essential aspect of enhancing patient outcomes is the identification of effective techniques and areas for development, which can foster more efficient collaboration among healthcare providers. The study's findings can provide valuable insights for designing training and professional development programs that target the enhancement of collaborative abilities among healthcare workers. This can enhance the cohesiveness and effectiveness of the healthcare team.

Moreover, the study provides evidence-based insights that might guide the development of hospital policies and procedures regarding team-based treatment. This can aid hospital managers and policymakers in establishing efficacious initiatives that foster enhanced collaboration and patient care.

Moreover, gaining insight into the obstacles that impede successful interdisciplinary collaboration enables the hospital to target and resolve certain concerns that may be obstructing optimal performance. This can result in focused actions to address obstacles and improve team productivity.

Additionally, this study contributes to the existing body of academic literature on interdisciplinary teamwork and its impact on patient outcomes. It offers useful data and insights that can be utilised for future research purposes. Additionally, it provides practical suggestions that can be implemented in various healthcare environments, both at a local and global level.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate the influence of interdisciplinary teamwork on patient’s outcome in Nigeria. Specifically, this study seeks to determine whether interdisciplinary teamwork is practiced in Nigeria and assess the prevalent types of office politics in Public organization in Nigeria. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the Impact of Interdisciplinary Teamwork on Patient Satisfaction in Nigeria and it also seeks to identify barriers to effective interdisciplinary teamwork in Nigeria.

 The study is carried out in Uyo, Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

As with any human endeavor, the researchers faced many minor constraints during the investigation. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, due to the limited availability of data about an evaluation of the influence of interdisciplinary teamwork on patient’s outcome at St. Luke Hospital, Uyo. Hence, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to ascertain the appropriate materials, books, or information and amass data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing solely on Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom state. Therefore, the conclusions of this study cannot be extended to other situations, thus requiring further investigation. 

Moreover, the limits faced by the researcher were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student without any source of income to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation charges at the research location posed a challenge in meeting the expenses associated with transportation fees.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while still fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Interdisciplinary teamwork: Interdisciplinary teamwork (also known as Professional collaboration) in healthcare refers to the collaborative approach where professionals from different disciplines work together to deliver comprehensive patient care.

Patient outcome: Patient outcomes are the results from care and treatments patients have received whilst in hospital, other clinical or care settings. They focus on meeting the physical, social, and emotional needs of patients from their own perspective to highlight what is important to them.