Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration

“Establish teamwork communication principles” (p.16).

Example: Each homecare agency has set procedures for homecare nurses to assess heart failure clients daily through remote monitoring of vital signs, weight, intake, and output. The client may tell the nurse that they have gained a couple of pounds this week. When significant changes like sudden weight gain arise, the nurse would submit a standardized electronic form to a clerk at a cardiac outpatient clinic. The cardiologist and nurse practitioner are then immediately alerted to the request for consultation and follow-up by phone with the client’s homecare agency nurse. This ensures that unforeseen changes in client status are managed appropriately and in a timely manner.

Explanation: A clear set of communication principles and procedures is important for healthcare teams that work closely together and depend on each other. These types of principles and procedures can foster open and creative discussions, recognition and appreciation of each person’s role and contribution, as well as transparency in decision-making.

“Actively listen to other team members” (p. 16).

Example: A client is having trouble eating. The following conversation may occur.

Dietician: “Let’s provide the client pureed foods to help with swallowing and reduce risks of choking.”

Nurse: “I agree. I have noticed that the client needs to sit up straight and he takes a long time to chew. I will arrange for a pureed diet, should we also thicken any fluids?”

Dietician: “Yes.”

Nurse: “Okay, Mr. Rhoda, would you like to try some apple sauce to start?”

Client: “Yes, please.”

Explanation: Active listening involves closely attending to what another person is saying and responding to them based on what they said.

“Communicate to ensure common understanding of care decisions” (p. 16).

Example: When giving a sponge bath, a nursing student notes reddened skin at the lower back of the client. The nursing student discusses the finding with their preceptor and personal support worker. The preceptor informs the nursing student that the client likely has a stage 1 pressure ulcer and should be turned frequently according to institution policy. The nursing student confirms the need and reason for frequent turns and reiterates the need for good hydration/nutrition to reduce exacerbation of the pressure ulcer. The preceptor and personal support worker agree.

Explanation: Each healthcare professional is responsible for communicating clearly as well as clarifying discussions or a written order or care plan when it is unclear.

“Develop trusting relationships with clients/families and other team members” (p. 16).

Example: A doctor writes down an order for pain medication for a client at an inpatient unit. The doctor knows that the nurse is trained to carry out the order. The doctor engages in a discussion with the nurse as follows.

Physician: “I wrote an order for Tylenol III, that should help, any questions?”

Nurse: “No, that sounds good. I will re-assess their pain after administration and will report any adverse effects of this medication.”

Physician: “Great, thanks so much.”

Explanation: Trust among the healthcare team (including clients/families) is integral to communication. Part of building trust begins with your interactions with each other. It is important to engage with others in respectful ways and provide time for discussion. Additionally, it is important to be honest in your communication. You should aim to be knowledgeable on the topic and if you are not, open up the discussion in a way that addresses this and allows for a learning opportunity.

“Effectively use information and communication technology to improve interprofessional client/community-centred care” (p. 16).

Example: The personal support worker routinely documents the amount of food that each client eats at each meal. The personal support worker understands that the healthcare team (dietitian, nurse, physician) will review this information regularly to update client care plans. The updated client care plans are easily accessible within each client’s electronic chart.

Explanation: Information and communication technology involving telephone, computers, and software programs can facilitate communication. You will commonly use computer-based documentation systems to document your assessments and plans of care. It is vital that you document clearly and follow the College of Nurses of Ontario (2019) Documentation Standard of Practice.