Roles, processes, and outcomes of interprofessional shared decision-making in a neonatal intensive care unit: A qualitative study. Issue 3 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dunn, Sandra I.; Cragg, Betty; Graham, Ian D.; Medves, Jennifer; Gaboury, Isabelle
• Is Part Of: Journal of interprofessional care. Volume 32:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 284
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Deliberation -- interprofessional -- neonatal intensive care -- qualitative descriptive -- shared decision-making; Holistic medicine -- Periodicals; Interprofessional relations -- Periodicals; Health care teams -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2018.1428186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-1820

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Shared decision-making provides an opportunity for the knowledge and skills of care providers to synergistically influence patient care. Little is known about interprofessional shared decision-making processes in critical care settings. The aim of this study was to explore interprofessional team members' perspectives about the nature of interprofessional shared decision-making in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to determine if there are any differences in perspectives across professional groups. An exploratory qualitative approach was used consisting of semi-structured interviews with 22 members of an interprofessional team working in a tertiary care NICU in Canada. Participants identified four key roles involved in interprofessional shared decision-making: leader, clinical experts, parents, and synthesizer. Participants perceived that interprofessional shared decision-making happens through collaboration, sharing, and weighing the options, the evidence and the credibility of opinions put forward. The process of interprofessional shared decision-making leads to a well-informed decision and participants feeling valued. Findings from this study identified key concepts of interprofessional shared decision-making, increased awareness of differing professional perspectives about this process of shared decision-making, and clarified understanding of the different roles involved in the decision-making process in an NICU.