[Difficulties in interprofessional dialogue between medical and nursing colleagues]

A dignified care of sick, old and impaired human beings requires intensive collaborations of medical and nursing staff. In order to prevent incomplete pain management, long hospitalisations, neglect of the dying, unnecessary transfers between nursing homes and hospitals partnership and dialogue between these two disciplines is necessary. In spite of this it seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Apart from hierarchical thinking and personal preferences structural conditions play an important part. This paper tries to relate various aspects: not all these can be supported by valid data (because of lacking research) but they are based on reflective practice. This article does not pretend to be a scientific piece of work. Nevertheless, it is hoped that it contributes to the improvement of the interdisciplinary dialogue. Enhanced research interest may be an additional effect of it.