Digitally supported interprofessional interaction in healthcare-a scoping review

The increasing complexity of patient care and workforce shortages in healthcare systems necessitate improved interprofessional interaction. Digital technologies offer promising solutions to facilitate such interaction across healthcare settings.

This scoping review aimed to identify, categorize, and assess digital technologies that support interprofessional interaction among healthcare professionals, using the NASSS framework to evaluate their implementation context and impact.

A systematic search was conducted across five databases. The eligible studies examined digital tools enabling interaction between different professional groups in healthcare. Data from 407 studies were extracted and coded using four NASSS domains (Condition, Technology, Value Proposition, and Adopter System). Thematic analysis and visualizations were employed to synthesize findings.

Seven primary technology categories were identified. Most technologies were implemented at the organizational level, primarily within hospital and intersectoral care settings, with oncology being the most common clinical focus. While many tools showed positive impacts on workflow efficiency, access to specialist expertise, and team communication, challenges relating to usability, data privacy, role ambiguity, and staff workload were also reported. Value propositions and impacts on staff varied significantly across technologies.

Digitally supported interprofessional interaction holds promise for enhancing communication, collaboration, and efficiency in delivering healthcare. However, successful adoption depends on aligning technological design with clinical workflows, involving end-users in development, and addressing regulatory, ethical, and organizational challenges.