Interprofessional clinical decision-making process in health: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Medical Education
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Interprofessional decision-making (IPDM) is crucial for quality of care, particularly for complex patients.
• Published literature on IPDM in healthcare is extensive but requires synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe the core components of the interprofessional decision-making process in healthcare.
• To analyze the authors, review types, and subject matter of relevant scientific publications.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review of the literature was conducted.
• Searches were performed across multiple databases (MEDLINE, APA Psycinfo, OpenGrey, Lissa, Cochrane) in December 2019 and January 2023.
• Studies published in English or French focusing on interprofessional clinical decision-making in health were included, adhering to PRISMA-scoping review guidelines.

Main Results:

• 1429 sources were identified, with 145 retained for analysis.
• Five key elements of interprofessional decision-making in health were identified.
• Factors influencing IPDM include group dynamics, information availability, patient-specific characteristics, organizational frameworks, and specific training.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing IPDM involves fostering shared leadership, clarifying professional roles and values, and ensuring healthcare professionals are trained in collaborative practices.
• Accessible, structured information and tools for knowledge formalization are essential for effective IPDM.
• Structured improvements in IPDM can enhance care quality for patients and healthcare professionals across various settings.