Factors Influencing Interprofessional Collaboration in General and During Multidisciplinary Team Meetings in Long-term Care and Geriatric Rehabilitation: a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Interprofessional collaboration is essential to respond to the growing complexity of care and to maintain high-quality care in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation. However, little is known regarding factors perceived by the actors involved as influencing interprofessional collaboration in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation. We therefore examined the facilitators of and barriers to interprofessional collaboration in general and during multidisciplinary team meetings specifically as mentioned by the actors involved, as well as the differences between long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation. Also investigated was whether, and if so which patient outcome measures are used in multidisciplinary team meetings.Methods Qualitative study using thematic analysis. Ten focus groups and 18 semi-structured interviews were held with 14 patients, 13 informal caregivers, and 22 healthcare professionals in eight long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation facilities across the Netherlands.Results The perceived influencing factors can be classified into two general themes: 1) ‘Involvement of patient, informal caregiver, and healthcare professional’, categorised into: ‘participation of patients and informal caregivers’, ‘behaviour and attitude of team members’, ‘expectations of team members towards each other’, and ‘exchange of information, knowledge, and reciprocity in communication’; and 2) ‘Methodical approach to providing care for older people’, consisting of: ‘coordination of team procedures’, and ‘coordination of organisational procedures’. Also, one specific theme for multidisciplinary team meetings was identified: ‘Involvement of patient, informal caregiver, and healthcare professional in multidisciplinary team meeting, categorised into: ‘team procedures’, ‘working methodically’, and ‘participation in multidisciplinary team meetings. Standardised patient outcome measures were not often used in multidisciplinary team meetings.Conclusion People involved in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation indicated that, apart from working methodically, being involved in care and multidisciplinary team meetings are essential factors influencing interprofessional collaboration. These factors must be taken into consideration to provide valuable, high-quality care to older people residing in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation through interprofessional collaboration.Trial registration Not applicable