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ABSTRACT
The balance of power among interprofessional healthcare teams influences their effectiveness. In this study, the researcher assessed the factors that influence power dynamics in interprofessional healthcare teams and the approaches they can use to address these dynamics. The study was based on a quantitative analysis of a total of 11 studies. The study’s outcome regarding the factors influencing power dynamics in interprofessional healthcare teams indicates that there are five groups of factors associated with these dynamics: team-related factors (unbalanced allocation of space and time and respect for medical hierarchy), role allocation-related factors (lack of recognition, lack of delineation of duties, lack of confidence in the skills and competencies of others), communication-related factors (nature and tone of communication, receptivity, and responsiveness), trust and respect, and individual-related factors (teamwork skills and positive team attitude). The researcher also noted that the strategies that can be adopted to address the factors associated with power imbalance include a collaborative approach, an open-door policy, direct communication, education and mentoring, and a merit-based approach when assigning leadership roles to team members.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Paulchris Okpala
Dr. Paulchris Okpala is a research scholar, writer, and educator. He is a full professor (with tenure) in the Department of Health Science and Human Ecology at California State University, San Bernardino, California. He is also the program director, Master of Science in Health Service Administration, at California State University, San Bernardino, California. Professor Okpala, a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of California, served as Chair, Academic Affairs, Healthcare Executives of Southern California, for a period of 3 years, 2017–2020. Professor Okpala, a distinguished scholar, has authored over 30 peer-reviewed scholarly journals, appearing primarily in the Journal of Healthcare Management and International Journal of Healthcare Management. Recently, his textbook titled “Guidelines for Effective Research to Publication: A Concise Approach”, was published in October 2019. His book is available on Amazon. His book ISBN is 978-1-950724-73-4. Professor Okpala has also presented his scholarly work and publications at national and international professional conferences. He has also been invited by high-tier journal editors to perform editorial works for professional or scholarly publications.