Work

Practices and outcomes of multidisciplinary collaboration to support the integration of healthcare into the daily lives of technology‐dependent children

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the implementation of multi-professional collaboration to support "medical care in daily life" for technology-dependent children in community settings and their outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 18 prefectures across Japan, involving 343 professionals, including consultation support specialists, visiting nurses, care workers, school nurses, and school nurse teachers. Fifty-five items related to the three elements of multi-professional collaboration-Gearing up individually, Working together, and Achieving results-were analyzed using factor analysis, one-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, and the Mann-Whitney U test with SPSS version 29. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee. RESULTS: Nine factors were identified: two related to prerequisites, four to collaborative practices, and three to outcomes. All factors demonstrated high internal consistency. Appropriate staffing of professionals, openness to new members, and the presence of a leader were significantly associated with all collaborative practices. Furthermore, communication through shared problem-solving and mutual respect for professional roles was associated with all activities. Collaboration centered on the needs of individuals and families showed the strongest association with positive outcomes. CONCLUSION: Three essential elements for strengthening multi-professional collaboration were identified: (1) structured placement and flexible integration of professionals, (2) mutual trust and respect among professionals, and (3) sustained collaboration centered on the needs of individuals and families. These findings provide a practical framework for improving team-based care for technology-dependent children in community settings.

Source: Japan Journal of Nursing Science

DOI: 10.1111/jjns.70035

Authors: Rie Watanabe, Yukako Shigematu

Institution: Kurume University

Language: English

Topic: Interprofessional Education and Collaboration

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,890