Nurses' Experiences of Psychological Safety in Ad Hoc Teams During Emergency Care: An Interview Study

To investigate specialist nurses' experience of psychological safety in ad hoc teams during emergency care.

Interpretive descriptive qualitative study.

Semi-structured interviews with nine specialist nurses were conducted in Sweden from May to June 2024 and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke).

Four themes were identified: Interpersonal skills: implications for psychological safety; Individuality and team dynamics; Confidence, competence and collaboration; and Organisational responsibility for promoting psychological safety.

Psychological safety in ad hoc emergency care teams is a fragile and multifaceted phenomenon, shaped by interpersonal skills, leadership and organisational culture. Supportive environments characterised by open communication and proactive leadership enable specialist nurses to collaborate confidently and safely, even under acute stress. Targeted efforts to strengthen these factors are essential for optimising teamwork and patient outcomes.

The psychological safety implications for specialist nurses in ad hoc teams during emergency care are profound. Psychological safety fosters an environment that empowers nurses to leverage clinical expertise, collaborate in ad hoc teams and improve patient outcomes. Promoting psychological safety ensures specialist nurses feel respected, valued and secure, leading to better care and a more resilient workforce.

This qualitative study investigated specialist nurses' experience of psychological safety in ad hoc teams in acute care. The results will influence the awareness of nurses, specialist nurses, other professions, managers and organisations about the importance of feeling psychologically safe.

Presentation follows COREQ 32-item checklist.

No patient or public involvement.

Shows that psychological safety helps nurses perform in ad hoc emergency teams. Identifies key factors that affect teamwork and patient care.