Comparison of systems thinking and perceptions and attitudes regarding interprofessional collaborative practice across professional groups in a large public health service

Objective:
Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is integral to a high-functioning healthcare system, yet little is understood about whether attitudes, knowledge and beliefs towards IPCP differ between professional groups or clinical settings.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study used three surveys: the Systems Thinking Scale, Attitudes Towards Health Care Teams, and the adapted Interprofessional Collaboration Scale, to compare systems thinking and the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare professionals in a large metropolitan health service. Participants included medical, nursing, allied health and oral health professionals across hospital and community settings.

Results:
A total of 293 participants (57% hospital-based, 43% community; 40% nursing, 8% medicine, 46% allied health, 6% oral health) completed the surveys. Results demonstrated differences in communication and attitudes towards IPCP across professional groups.

Conclusions:
While all professional groups acknowledged the importance of IPCP, distinctions persisted across professions and settings. Understanding attitudes within various professions and contexts establishes the foundation for targeted strategies aimed at promoting interprofessional collaboration in health care.