Power dynamics and interprofessional collaboration: How do community pharmacists position general practitioners, and...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare collaboration
• Medical sociology
• Pharmacy practice

Background:

• Power differentials and medical dominance can hinder physician-pharmacist collaboration.
• Norway's egalitarian work sector may influence these dynamics.
• Understanding these power dynamics is crucial for improving interprofessional relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore power dynamics between Norwegian general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists using positioning theory.
• To identify how GPs and pharmacists position themselves and each other within their professional interactions.
• To understand the impact of these dynamics on healthcare collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing positioning theory as a framework.
• Utilized reflexive and interactive positioning concepts.
• Conducted six focus groups with GPs and community pharmacists.
• Analyzed data using systematic text condensation.

Main Results:

• Positioning theory effectively illuminated power dynamics in GP-pharmacist collaboration.
• Medical dominance presents challenges to collaboration, even in egalitarian settings like Norway.
• Both GPs and pharmacists utilize a 'medical dominance' narrative.
• Alternative, collaborative storylines were identified for both professions.

Conclusions:

• Positioning theory is a valuable framework for analyzing power dynamics in interprofessional healthcare settings.
• Despite challenges, opportunities for enhanced collaboration between GPs and pharmacists exist.
• Addressing medical dominance narratives is key to fostering more equitable and effective professional partnerships.