Factors related to implementation of an interprofessional communication concept in thoracic oncology: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: An innovative patient-centred interprofessional communication concept with advanced lung cancer patients (Heidelberg Milestone Communication Approach, MCA) has been developed and implemented.

Role changes and interprofessional communication are challenging in a busy outpatient oncology service.

The aim of the study was to present attitudes to interprofessional collaboration of professions in thoracic oncology during the implementation of MCA and to explore factors and experiences healthcare team members associate with its implementation.

METHODS: In a longitudinal study, 3 of the 4 subscales of the validated German translation of the University of the West of England Interprofessional Questionnaire (UWE-IP-D) were collected prior to implementation of MCA (t0) with follow-up data collections at 4 months (t1), 10 months (t2) and 17 months (t3).

Descriptive analysis included calculating subscale sum scores and categorizing each subscale into positive, neutral and negative attitudes.

Interviews and focus groups on implementation and interprofessional collaboration in the context of MCA were conducted with healthcare staff.

The topics were analysed deductively, guided by the Professional Interactions factor of the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases (TICD) framework.

RESULTS: The survey with 87 staff (44 nurses, 13 physicians, 12 psycho-social staff, 7 therapists, and 11 others) participating at least once found heterogeneous attitudes.

‘Communication and Teamwork’ and ‘Interprofessional Relationships’ were characterized by primarily positive attitudes.

Neutral attitudes to ‘Interprofessional Interaction’ were indicated by the majority of respondents.

There were no differences between collection times.

Fifteen staff members participated in the interviews and focus groups.

The main interprofessional interaction factors associated with implementation concerned the knowledge of the MCA and the impact of the intervention on team roles, on information sharing and on transfer processes between wards.

Adaptive processes led to a shift in the perception of responsibilities and interprofessional collaboration.

CONCLUSIONS: Positive experiences and potential shortfalls in the implementation were observed.

Future introductions of interprofessional communication concepts require further activities which should address the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards interprofessional care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00013469 / Date of registration: 22/12/2017.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00977-6.