“Well, it’s very doctor-related” – Interprofessional communication and collaboration between general practitioners and nurses: a qualitative study in Southern Germany

Abstract

Background: The demographic transition in Germany is leading to an increase in the number of people needing care or nursing services in their own homes. Interprofessional communication and collaboration among healthcare professions providing outpatient care is paramount to ensure effective and high-quality patient-centred care. However, interprofessional communication and collaboration comes with complex prerequisites and rarely works smoothly. Thus, it is necessary to assess the current status quo. Therefore, the aim is to characterize communication patterns, factors influencing interprofessional communication and collaboration and expectations towards communication and collaboration between home-care nursing services and general practitioner practices in Germany. Methods:Semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals in general practitioners’ practices and nurses working in home-care nursing services were conducted in southern Germany. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic content analysis. Results: Current communication occurs via fax, telephone or personal contact for various purposes, including the emission or rectification of medical orders and exchanging information about change in a patient’s condition. Key factors influencing interprofessional communication are organizational (e.g., lack of direct communication), profession-related (e.g., hierarchy) and individual (e.g., capacity to provide care). Interprofessional collaboration is scarce. Nurses and general practitioners expect uncomplicated, efficient and quick communication and collaboration through set channels. Conclusions: Current interaction patterns are deficient and require political, structural and educational changes to establish well-functioning collaboration in the ambulant sector that facilitates patient-centred care. Educational and political reforms should comprise expanding interprofessional education in curricula and the introduction of clear and secure communication channels.