A MIXED-METHODS STUDY ON THE ROLE OF FEEDBACK IN AN INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE TEAM

Abstract

Through their diverse composition and perspectives, interprofessional teams are able to deal with complex healthcare demands; however, effective collaboration remains a challenge. Feedback has been identified as a promising strategy by which to support effective team functioning through adjusting practice. To better understand the factors that optimize the impact of feedback on collaborative practice, a mixed-methods instrumental case study was conducted among an interprofessional primary healthcare team. Data were collected from 22 semi-structured interviews and participant observations of 26 team members during team meetings and individual activities. Through the lens of delivery, specificity, source, and timing, a constant comparison method was used to analyze transcripts and field notes. This study identified 33 themes influencing feedback acceptance or rejection while working toward shared goals. Also, 32 feedback characteristics emerged across these themes. The results provide insights into effective feedback strategies, thereby helping to yield the desired outcomes of successful interprofessional teamwork.