Communication and cooperation within a stroke rehabilitation team: a qualitative research / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the obstacles and causes of communication and cooperation among doctors, nurses and rehabilitation therapists in a stroke rehabilitation team. MethodsFrom July to October, 2022, twelve rehabilitation evaluation meetings were observed using ethnographic research, based on Shared Mental Model theory. Semi-structured interviews were held with five doctors, ten nurses and four rehabilitation therapists. ResultsFour themes and nine sub-themes were presented, namely equipment (poor interoperability of information system, limited knowledge of rehabilitation equipment for doctors and nurses), task (members were under time pressure to attend meeting, imperfect inter-discipline communication system), team interaction (insufficient information sharing, unfamiliar with roles/responsibilities, misunderstanding between specialties) and team member (less participation of nurses, limited multidisciplinary knowledge). ConclusionThe communication and cooperation among stroke rehabilitation team members is limited by many factors, such as equipment, task, team interaction and team members. It is suggested to improve interoperability of information systems, create a supportive environment, know each other's roles/responsibilities, strengthen interdisciplinary crossover, pay attention to and support the cultivation of nurses' ability, to promote efficient communication and cooperation among team members.