Interdisciplinary Communication in the Hospital Setting: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of the Qualitative Literature

Introduction

Communication is widely recognised to play a key role in patient care. The US Institute of Medicine’s 2002 report, ‘Crossing the Quality Chasm’, stated that ‘effective methods of communication, both among caregivers and between caregivers and patients, are critical to providing high-quality care’.(1) Interdisciplinary communication (IDC) can be challenging due to differences in training, education and roles between healthcare professions. Due to the nature of IDC, the majority of research on this subject has been qualitative, exploring the views of healthcare professionals on IPC. To date, however, the qualitative evidence on IDC has not been synthesised in a systematic manner. Therefore, a systematic review of the qualitative literature on healthcare providers’ experiences of interprofessional communication was conducted and registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020177967).

Aim

The primary aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the qualitative evidence regarding healthcare providers’ perceptions of IDC in the hospital setting. A secondary aim was to identify the barriers and facilitators to IDC in the hospital setting.

Methods

Studies were eligible for inclusion in the review if they met the following criteria: 1) studies examining healthcare professionals’ experiences of IDC, 2) studies conducted in the hospital setting, and 3) studies conducted using qualitative research methods. Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Embase) were searched from inception until May 2020. Quality appraisal of the identified studies was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool for qualitative research. Data from the results sections of eligible studies were synthesised using thematic synthesis as described by Thomas and Harden.(2) Thematic synthesis consists of three stages: 1) line-by-line coding of all text relevant labelled ‘results’ or ‘findings’ in the included studies, 2) organisation of codes into descriptive themes that reflect the results of the included studies, and 3) development of descriptive themes into analytical themes that address the review question.

Results

Eighteen studies were identified as being eligible for inclusion in this review (Figure 1). Five descriptive themes emerged during thematic synthesis: 1) ‘Hierarchy’, 2) ‘Interprofessional Ethos’, 3) ‘Healthcare Environment’, 4) ‘Personal Factors’ and 5) ‘Methods of Communication’, which were developed into two analytical themes: ‘Barriers to IDC’ and ‘Facilitators to IDC’. Personal factors, such as strong interprofessional relationships, were found to facilitate IDC, while organisational factors, such as challenging and hierarchical working environments, were found to pose barriers to IPC.

Conclusion

We believe that this review makes a significant contribution to the literature. To our knowledge, it is the first study to synthesis the qualitative evidence on healthcare providers’ perceptions of IDC in hospitals. Maintaining an interprofessional ethos and building positive working relationships were identified as facilitators to IDC, while hierarchy and challenging working conditions were identified as barriers. A key finding is the significance that healthcare providers associate with personal aspects of IDC, such as mutual respect and understanding among healthcare professionals. Future research should involve the theory- and evidence-driven design of interventions to improve personal aspects of IDC, such as interprofessional education and engagement.

References

1. Institute of Medicine. Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century - Institute of Medicine. Institute of Medicine. 2001.

2. Thomas J, Harden A. Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2008;8(45).

Paraneoplastic sarcoidosis: a review

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is occasionally seen in association with malignancy, both at the time of cancer diagnosis or during follow up.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to identify patients with paraneoplastic sarcoid, their associated malignancies and disease characteristics.

METHODS

We identified 289 patients diagnosed histologically with sarcoidosis over a 6-year period in one centre, from 2010 to 2016. Fifty of these patients had a prior or concomitant diagnosis of cancer.

RESULTS

17.3% of sarcoid cases had an associated malignancy. The most common malignancies were Gastrointestinal (20%), Haematological (18%), Lung (12%), Gynaecological (12%) and Head and Neck cancer (12%). 74% of sarcoid cases had pulmonary disease with sarcoid diagnostic tissue obtained most frequently via endobronchial ultrasound fine needle aspiration (68%). Most sarcoid cases (66%) were diagnosed within the first year of their malignancy diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Careful consideration needs to be given to the possibility that potential cancer recurrences suspected on imaging studies may indeed be sarcoid reactions.

Randomised Comparison of Three Types of Continuous Anterior Abdominal Wall Block after Midline Laparotomy for Gynaecological Oncology Surgery

Effective analgesia after midline laparotomy surgery is essential for enhanced recovery programs. We compared three types of continuous abdominal wall block for analgesia after midline laparotomy for gynaecological oncology surgery. We conducted a single-centre, double-blind randomised controlled trial. Ninety-four patients were randomised into three groups to receive two days of programmed intermittent boluses of ropivacaine (18 ml 0.5% ropivacaine every four hours) via either a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) catheter, posterior rectus sheath (PRS) catheter, or a subcutaneous (SC) catheter. All groups received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine, and regular paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Measured outcomes included analgesic and antiemetic usage and visual analog scores for pain, nausea, vomiting, and satisfaction. Eighty-eight patients were analysed (29 SC, 29 PRS and 30 TAP). No differences in the primary outcome were found (median milligrams morphine usage on day two SC 28, PRS 25, TAP 21, P=0.371). There were differences in secondary outcomes. Compared with the SC group, the TAP group required less morphine in recovery (0 mg versus 6 mg, P=0.01) and reported less severe pain on day one (visual analog scores 36.3 mm versus 55 mm, P=0.04). The TAP group used fewer doses of tropisetron on day one compared with the PRS group (8 versus 21, P=0.016). Programmed intermittent boluses of ropivacaine delivered via PRS, TAP and SC catheters can be provided safely to patients undergoing midline laparotomy surgery. Initially TAP catheters appear superior, reducing early opioid and antiemetic requirements and severe pain, but these advantages are lost by day two.

SMART phones and the acute respiratory patient

Definition of Respiratory Failure using PaO2 alone is confounded when patients are commenced on oxygen therapy prior to arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement. Furthermore, classification of Respiratory Failure as Type 1 or Type 2 using PaCO2 alone can give an inaccurate account of events as both types can co-exist. 100 consecutive presentations of acute respiratory distress were assessed initially using PaO2, and subsequently PaO2/FiO2 ratio, to diagnose Respiratory Failure. Respiratory Failure cases were classified as Type 1 or Type 2 initially using PaCO2, and subsequently alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient. Any resultant change in management was documented. Of 100 presentations, an additional 16 cases were diagnosed as Respiratory Failure using PaO2/FiO2 ratio in place of PaO2 alone (p = 0.0338). Of 57 cases of Respiratory Failure, 22 cases classified as Type 2 using PaCO2 alone were reclassified as Type 1 using A-a gradient (p < 0.001). Of these 22 cases, management changed in 18.

A morbillivirus that caused fatal disease in horses and humans

A morbillivirus has been isolated and added to an increasing list of emerging viral diseases. This virus caused an outbreak of fatal respiratory disease in horses and humans. Genetic analyses show it to be only distantly related to the classic morbilliviruses rinderpest, measles, and canine distemper. When seen by electron microscopy, viruses had 10- and 18-nanometer surface projections that gave them a "double-fringed" appearance. The virus induced syncytia that developed in the endothelium of blood vessels, particularly the lungs.