This study aimed to assess interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip.
This is qualitative study at six governmental hospitals, four general and two specialized. Thirty healthcare professionals were purposefully recruited to seven semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions. Analysis was carried out using the open-coded thematic analysis.
Eight themes had been identified: (1) unity of goals among health professionals, (2) physicians as team leaders, (3) patient involvement, (4) decision-making and conflict management (5) relationships among professionals, (6) general responsibilities and autonomy, (7) mutual trust and information exchange and (8) collaboration with the community to coordinate care. The first three themes were impediments, whilst “decision-making and conflict resolution” was a significant enabler of interprofessional collaboration. The last four themes were the lowest in their level and varied from one hospital to another as well.
The main limitation in this study was the number of participants; a relatively large sample might be needed for more data saturation. Therefore, health professionals from diverse backgrounds and different managerial levels have been recruited.
Policymakers could rely upon the recommendations in strengthening the enablers of interprofessional collaboration and overcoming barriers, both on system, organizational and individual levels.
This study was conducted at six hospitals of different specialties and sizes, and health professionals from different six professions have been recruited. In addition, two qualitative tools were used, interviews and focus group discussions.
