Interprofessional collaboration within teams comprised of health and other professionals: a systematic review of measurement tools and their psychometric properties

Authors

Julia Jacob, University of South AustraliaFollow
Kobie Boshoff, University of South Australia
Rebecca Stanley, University of Wollongong
Hugh Stewart, University of South Australia
Louise Wiles, University of South Australia

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Measuring collaboration within interprofessional teams allows professionals to evaluate their practice, set benchmarks and improve outcomes. In the context of healthcare, most research has focused on teams comprised solely of health professionals, with limited attention given to collaboration between health and other professionals. Given the escalating complexities of healthcare, and the growing need for interprofessional collaborative practice involving team members external to health care, this represents a considerable gap in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to identify tools that measure collaboration within interprofessional teams comprised of members from health and other disciplines, and evaluate their psychometric properties. This review focused on the area of children’s services, to assist professionals working in this area with their collaborative practice. Methods: A systematic search including nineteen electronic databases was conducted. Eleven articles (describing ten tools) were identified for inclusion and were critically appraised. Results: Overall, it was found that few psychometrically sound tools exist for more diverse professional groups working together. The PINCOM-Q was found to be the most appropriate tool for the context of children’s services, and with the highest critical appraisal score, as reported. Conclusions: Recommendations are made for further development of existing tools before practical implementation. Further research could develop new and innovative tools to accommodate the evolving composition of future interprofessional teams.

Author Bio(s)

Julia Jacob, BAppSc (OT) Hons is a practicing paediatric occupational therapist, who completed her honours thesis at the University of South Australia, South Australia.

Dr Kobie Boshoff, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of South Australia and a researcher within the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence.

Mr Hugh Stewart, M App Sc (OT), is the Program Director for the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of South Australia and a researcher within the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence.

Dr Rebecca Stanley, PhD, is an Associate Research Fellow, at the Early Start Research Institute (ESRI) at the University of Wollongong.

Dr Louise Wiles, PhD, is the Project Manager for the Patient Safety and Healthcare Human Factors Centre for Population Health Research at the University of South Australia.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2017.1631

Recommended Citation

Jacob J, Boshoff K, Stanley R, Stewart H, Wiles L. Interprofessional collaboration within teams comprised of health and other professionals: a systematic review of measurement tools and their psychometric properties. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2017 Jan 01;15(2), Article 8.