Interprofessional practice in health: A qualitative study in psychologists, exercise physiologists, and dietitians

ABSTRACT

Chronic diseases are complex conditions requiring a range of health professionals to support lifestyle behavior change, with research indicating that interprofessional teams yield the most positive outcomes. Yet, little is known about the factors influencing collaboration between health professionals. This study aims to explore factors influencing interprofessional collaboration in health professionals involved in lifestyle behavior change (psychologists, exercise physiologists, and dietitians). Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a convenience sample of 14 health professionals (four psychologists, seven exercise physiologists, three dietitians), individually or in small groups. Results from thematic analysis highlighted factors influencing collaboration in clinical practice at three levels: Systemic, professional, and client. Subthemes revealed time, financial costs, client consent, attitudes, role understanding, contact with other professions, interpersonal factors, accessibility of services, and profession-specific perspectives influenced collaboration in practice. In addition, psychologists were viewed as useful in specific areas of practice, with some unique barriers identified. The results suggest a need for barriers to interprofessional collaboration to be addressed, such as by co-location, exposure to other health professionals, and direct communication pathways. Implications include possible systemic changes and education to aid interprofessional practice in chronic disease. Further exploration of collaboration in broader professions and sectors, and client factors is recommended.

KEYWORDS:

• Allied health
• barriers
• interprofessional
• qualitative

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Supplementary material

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katherine Rich

Katherine Rich is a Registered Psychologist and PhD Candidate at the University of Canberra. Katherine has research interests in interprofessional practice and education.

Kristen Murray

Dr Kristen Murray is a Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist in the Research School of Psychology at the Australian National University. Kristen is an active researcher in clinical and health psychology, with interests in body image, eating and weight concerns, health behaviour change, interprofessional practice and chronic disease.

Holly Smith

Holly Smith is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who works at Canberra Health Services in the Obesity Management Service.

Ned Jelbart

Ned Jelbart is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and teacher who works in the College for Health, Community and Science at the Canberra Institute of Technology.