The impact of psychological factors on interprofessional team collaboration in the ICU: A macro-ergonomic case study

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigates the influence of mental well-being and conflict recognition on a team performance-related measure, interprofessional collaborative practice, of medical residents in the intensive care unit. Utilizing a sample of 44 residents from diverse demographics, we analyzed the descriptive statistics and linear regression coefficients. Results reveal significant relationships between baseline stress and anxiety levels on individual performance, with higher baseline stress correlating with decreased performance across interprofessional collaborative practice, while higher anxiety levels were associated with improved interprofessional collaborative practice. Furthermore, conflict awareness emerged as a determinant of interprofessional collaborative practice. These findings underscore the importance of addressing personal traits and psychological health factors in optimizing team performance within ICU settings, one of the primary goals of macro-ergonomics. Implementing strategies for improving interprofessional collaboration is essential for establishing a shared understanding of optimal critical care practices and effective teamwork and communication.