Evidence of communication, influence and behavioural norms in interprofessional teams: a realist synthesis

Abstract

This article is the third in a series reporting the process and findings of a realist synthesis of interprofessional teamwork in health and social care. The synthesis articulated and tested four “mechanisms” (processes) of teamwork related to communication and found variable evidence to support them. Evidence was strongest for “efficient, open and equitable communication” and “tactical communication”, but lacking for the shared responsibility element of the “shared responsibility and influence” mechanism. Little evidence was found to support or oppose the mechanism, “team behavioural norms”, so its status as a mechanism of interprofessional teamwork is unclear. A striking finding for all the mechanisms was the dearth of information on how they affected patient clinical outcomes and experiences.

• Interprofessional practice
• realist review
• teamwork

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Sally Brearley, Vari Drennan, Geoff Cloud, Nan Greenwood, Fiona Jones, Mark Joy, Lalit Kalra, Ann Mackenzie, Fiona Ross, Sally Redfern and Scott Reeves for their support throughout this work.

Declaration of interest

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research (HS&DR) Programme (Project No. 08/1819/219). The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the HS&DR programme, NIHR, NHS or the Department of Health. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors are responsible for the content and writing of this article.