Interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit in der Gesundheitsversorgung: Ein wichtiger Aspekt zur Bewältigung zukünftiger Herausforderungen – Eine Studie zur interprofessionellen Zusammenarbeit an der Psychiatrischen Universitätsklinik Zürich

Effective interprofessional collaboration in healthcare facilities is considered an important aspect of healthcare. It is significantly associated with high-quality patient care, fewer medical complications, shorter inpatient stays, and higher job satisfaction of healthcare professionals and represents a key aspect of strategies to overcome future challenges in healthcare. Although most stakeholders in the various national and international healthcare systems are aware of the importance of successful interprofessional collaboration, there is limited availability of scientifically sound and robust data. In particular, a related literature review has identified the lack of a multi-perspective examination of interprofessional collaboration; this dissertation aims to address this research gap. This study examines how the scope and quality of interprofessional collaboration is perceived by patients and healthcare professionals at the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich as part of the Swiss healthcare system. To this end, patients who were undergoing treatment and employees were active during a defined period were surveyed. The study investigated the perception of patients and employees regarding interprofessional collaboration not only in the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich as a whole but also in the various clinical areas and treatment settings (outpatient, day clinic, and inpatient). The study also presents the perception of employees from various professions and the perception of interprofessional collaboration between employees with and without a management function. Moreover, the study conducted a comparative examination focused on significant differences in the perception of the extent and quality of interprofessional collaboration between the respective clinics, treatment areas, different professions, and hierarchical levels. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the data collected at the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich and the results from somatic hospitals. This makes it possible to draw conclusions about differences in perception between psychiatry and somatic healthcare. Additionally, on the basis of the present findings, recommendations for healthcare institutions were formulated, including those for the promotion and development of effective interprofessional collaboration. In principle, these recommendations are transferable to other national and international healthcare institutions.