Interprofessional cooperation and job satisfaction in German intensive care units - a cross-sectional survey within the PRiVENT project

Abstract

Background: The PRiVENT study aims to reduce the number of long-term ventilated patients by improving interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals. To assess the current state of interprofessional cooperation and job satisfaction in intensive care units, a written survey was conducted among service providers from four clusters, each of which consist of one weaning centre and 7-12 other cooperation hospitals. Methods: The Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale, Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale and the Warr-Cook-Wall Scale were used. In addition to a descriptive analysis, a subgroup analysis was performed comparing scores between physicians and non-physicians and the four clusters. Correlation coefficients were calculated to check for correlations between age group and gender with interprofessional collaboration and work satisfaction. Internal consistency of the questionnaires was assessed via Crohnbach’s Alphas. Analyses were performed using Excel version 1808 and R (version 4.0.3). Results: A total of 60 questionnaires were filled out by health workers at the WCs and CCs participating in the project, corresponding to a response rate of 46%. 36 (59%) questionnaires were completed by physicians and 24 (41%) by the other health professionals. The average work experience was 18.4 ± 11.4 years. Most respondents rated their personal teamwork skills and interprofessional cooperation as good. Job satisfaction was high, particularly regarding the collegial environment and variety of work tasks. Satisfaction with physical workload, income, and working hours was lower. Non-physicians’ ratings were lower for all questionnaires and most items, although the difference in total scores was not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were observed between clusters. There was a statistically significant positive monotonous correlation between age group and years of work experience with overall work satisfaction. Internal consistency of the questionnaires was excellent. Conclusions: The findings show that staff members are generally satisfied with their workplace conditions and environment and rate their individual team skills and interprofessional cooperation as good. Non-physicians were less satisfied with their working conditions, although the difference was not statistically significant. Future surveys at mid-term and at the end of the intervention period will provide insights into the impact of PRiVENT on interprofessional cooperation and job satisfaction. Registration The study protocol of the PRiVENT study was registered on 02.03.2022 in the German Register of Clinical Trials under the number DRKS00028196.