Examining the relationship of organizational mechanisms and relational coordination on the outcome of care coordination among nurses at the unit level of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital

Abstract

Background: Nurses and other healthcare professionals function interdependently for the coordination of patient care which can be unpredictable and varies from setting to setting. Objective: The study examined the influence of organizational mechanisms and relational coordination on the outcome of care coordination among nurses in the unit. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was adopted, and 262 participants were selected from eight units in the hospital using a convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used in gathering data. Results: Average organizational mechanism in the units was 3.43. Nurses were fairly trained on information technology [mean ± standard deviation (SD): 3.27± 0.93];task characteristics influenced care coordination among nurses (mean ± SD: 3.79± 0.93); nurses’ attitude towards their patient fostered care coordination (mean ± SD: 3.47± 0.92); whilst the organizational environment strongly provided clinical supervision (mean ± SD: 3.69±0.84). Average relational coordination in the units was 4. Nurses were aware of their roles during the performance of tasks (mean ± SD: 4.33± 0.76);nurses showed mutual respect during discharge of duties (mean ± SD:4.08± 0.92);good nurse-patient relationship strongly facilitated effective care planning (mean ± SD: 4.26± 0.73);and nurses welcome other nurses’ opinions during tasks performance (mean ± SD: 4.05± 0.98). The mean value for the outcome of care coordination was 4.08. Organizational mechanisms and relational coordination influence the outcome of care coordination. Good care coordination in the unit was 82.6%. Conclusion: Organizational mechanism and relational coordination influenced the practice of care coordination in the 8 units. Strengthening organizational structure, information technology, interpersonal relationship, and improving the level of care coordination are essential to facilitate quality healthcare delivery and better patient outcomes.