Interprofessional collaboration in connection with a medical ship: nurses' experiences

To describe nurses´ experiences of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) in connection with a medical ship offering primary health care in Papua New Guinea.

More than a third of the population in Papua New Guinea are living in severe poverty, resulting in serious and fatal diseases. Due to rough terrain and lack of infrastructure, most of them cannot benefit from health care in the cities. Thus, a medical ship is used since the sea route is one of the few possible ways to reach the people.

A qualitative study with an inductive and descriptive approach was performed, and content analysis of the data was used.

In January 2018, eleven nurses from seven countries were interviewed onboard the medical ship assessing their experiences when performing IPC. The COREQ checklist for qualitative studies was applied in the conduct and reporting of this study.

Three generic categories emerged: Nurses' motivation to achieve the common goal of doing good using IPC; Nurses' view of performing IPC within special conditions; and Nurses' perception of their role in IPC. Overall, the IPC was perceived by the nurses as well functioning. Having a common goal, positive mindset and effective communication improved the team's collaboration. When these aspects were accomplished, the chances of overcoming the challenge of working in new circumstances and limited space with a newly formed team were increased.

Good collaboration within an interprofessional team required repeated sharing of information. This demonstrates the importance of communication and engagement to overcome existing challenges when working interprofessionally.

This study recommends the establishment of IPC for similar contexts such as onboard Youth With a Mission and ashore, as well as in disaster situations or home care where the healthcare professional must collaborate and adapt to new circumstances and prevailing situations.