Cross-sectional study of interprofessional collaboration among Japanese nurse practitioners

While interprofessional collaboration is becoming increasingly important, its current status and the competency of nurse practitioners (NPs) to collaborate with multiple professionals in Japan have not been studied. This study aimed to clarify and examine the current status of interprofessional collaboration in the workplace for Japanese NPs and its related factors.

For this cross-sectional study, 760 Japanese NPs who had passed the NP qualification exam conducted by the Japanese Organization NP Faculties were targeted. Data were collected between July and December 2023, using the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale-II-J (AITCS-II-J), the Japanese version of the Self-assessment Scale of Interprofessional Competency (JASSIC), and the Workplace Support Scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were used for data analysis.

Of the 760 targeted, 137 participated, indicating a response rate of 18.0% (100% valid response rate). The AITCS-II-J was associated with the JASSIC and Workplace Support Scale. It was also associated with the JASSIC subscales of "Patient-/Client-/Family-/Community-Centered" and "Facilitation Relationship." The JASSIC was associated with "Informational Support" and "Evaluative Support."

These results indicated that NPs' interprofessional collaboration skills and workplace support were the main factors determining collaboration quality. Additionally, informational and evaluative support from superiors was crucial to improve NPs' ability to collaborate with other professionals. To achieve effective interprofessional collaboration, developing advanced clinical and communication skills among NPs is necessary.