Viewpoints of Physicians and Nurses Working in Surgical Clinics on Teamwork

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Teamwork is known to be one of the most significant determinative factors in providing efficient healthcare. The aim of this descriptive study is to reveal the views of physicians and nurses about teamwork. METHODS: The sample of this study consisted of all physicians and nurses who were working in surgical clinics at Gaziantep University Hospital (N=84). Data were collected between May 1, and June 1,2011. Data collection tools were the 'Team Approach Form' and a form regarding 'Common Views of Physicians and Nurses About the Role of Doctors in Teamwork'. Mean values, percentiles, and correlation analysis of data obtained were calculated by using significance of the difference between two means, Mann Whitney U test, and ANOVA RESULTS: The study participants consisted of nurses (56%), and physicians (44%) iwth an overall mean age of 27.55+-4.06 years. In the study, the mean scores of nurses about 'the benefit of teamwork', and 'the factors that affect teamwork adversely'were higher than those of the physicians (p<0.05). The participants who were willing to work, and those who thought that the benefits of team work and the mean values which were the most prominent feature of the effective team had an important role in the development of patient care had received higher scores when compared with other participants. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Total score of teamwork concept was higher in nurses, in participants who assumed tasks in interdisciplinary teamwork and in those who were willing to take responsibility. Since the majority of the physicians in the research always supported the view that the final decision makers must always be the physicians, we can be say that the physicians have a traditional understanding of being a 'team leader.'

Keywords

• teamwork
• physician
• nurse