The study contributes new knowledge to the discussion of issues concerning organisation, management, training and clinical work, including nurse's ability to 'see the big picture'. It further seeks to clarify conditions for nursing that take into account professional standards and values as well as mutual understanding between colleagues.

Coping with interruptions is important for the nursing profession, quality of care and patient safety. Changing practice requires multidisciplinary cooperation accepting different agendas at personal, group and organisational levels. Nurses must understand the meaning and nature of different types of interruptions to develop coping strategies and maintain quality in care and patient safety in multidisciplinary teamwork.

No abstract