Relational coordination in value-based health care

Abstract

Background: An important element of value-based health care (VBHC) is interprofessional collaboration in integrated practice units (IPUs) for the delivery of the complete cycle of care. High levels of interprofessional collaboration between clinical and nonclinical staff in IPUs are assumed rather than proven. Factors that may stimulate interprofessional collaboration in the context of VBHC are underresearched.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine relational coordination (RC) in VBHC and its antecedents.

Approach: A questionnaire was used to examine the association of both team practices and organizational conditions with interprofessional collaboration in IPUs. Gittell's Relational Coordination Survey was drawn upon to measure interprofessional collaboration by capturing the relational dynamics in coordinated working. The questionnaire also included measures of team practices (team meetings and boundary spanning behavior) and organizational conditions (task interdependence and time constraints).

Results: The number of different professional groups participating in team meetings is positively associated with RC in IPUs. Boundary spanning behavior, task interdependence, and time constraints are not associated with RC.

Conclusions: In IPUs, the diversity within interprofessional team meetings is important for establishing high-quality communication and relationships.

Practice implications: Hospital managers should prioritize facilitating and encouraging shared meetings to enhance RC levels among professional groups in IPUs.