Optimizing Interdisciplinary Communication In General Nursing: A Review

Abstract

Globally, there is a scarcity of physicians choosing and staying in general practice, coupled with a growing load of chronic illnesses, which has expanded the responsibilities of nurses in this context. Although there is a well-established workforce of general practice nurses, there has been a lack of focus on the collaborative efforts between physicians and nurses in this particular context. The objective is to determine the factors that promote or hinder cooperation and teamwork between general practitioners and nurses in general (family) practice. Papers published were searched in CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Life, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute Library of Systematic Reviews, and Trove (dissertations and theses). This study was guided by the methodology proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). The methodological quality of all the included articles was evaluated. The findings were retrieved, thoroughly analyzed, and categorized into themes. This comprehensive research has offered valuable understanding of the factors that affect the collaboration between nurses and general practitioners in a team setting, including role definition, communication, and organizational restrictions. Further study should delve into the specific dynamics of cooperation between physicians and nurses in general practice, as well as the effects of this collaboration on nursing leadership and staff retention.