Perceptions of interprofessional team collaboration among professionals working in the Occupational Health Service in Sweden

Abstract

Objectives: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) among professionals in occupational health service is crucial when rendering a service to clients and customers. The aim of this study was to describe and compare perceptions relating to IPC among professionals working as occupational health (OH) providers in Sweden. Methods: This cross-sectional study with a descriptive and comparative design included 456 respondents representing different OH professions in Sweden. Data were collected using the Swedish short version of the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale adapted for OH (AITCS)-SII(OH), with its three subscales Partnership, Cooperation and Coordination, and were analysed and presented descriptively. Items and sum scores were dichotomized into inadequate and adequate and compared between sexes, workplaces, types of employment and professions. Results: According to the responses, items related to openness, honesty and trust were perceived as adequate among the respondents. The findings show that perceptions about IPC differed among the professions. The perception of IPC did also differ between different types of organizations. Conclusion: The result show diverse perceptions between professionals and organizations. The perception of IPC may be influenced by the professional’s education in occupational safety and health. Study findings may be used to support further development of IPC in the occupational health service for the best of the clients. To develop IPC in the best interests of both professionals and customers/clients, further studies need to be performed to gain a deeper understanding of IPC in the OH context.