Interprofessional Communication: Fostering Collaboration and Minimizing Errors in Neonatal Surgical Care at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
Keywords:
Interprofessional Communication, Neonatal Surgical Care,, Patient Safety, Medical Errors, Healthcare Collaboration, Standardized Communication ProtocolsAbstract
Neonatal surgical care is a complex and high-stakes environment requiring seamless communication between various healthcare professionals. This study investigates interprofessional communication practices within the neonatal surgical unit at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), exploring existing barriers, healthcare professionals' perceptions, and the impact on patient safety. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and semi-structured interviews with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists, the research identifies key obstacles such as hierarchical communication, lack of standardized protocols, time constraints, and limited interprofessional understanding. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to foster a culture of open communication, strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, and ultimately minimize preventable errors in neonatal surgical care. Recommendations include implementing standardized communication protocols, promoting psychological safety, providing interprofessional communication training, and investing in simulation training. This study underscores the critical role of effective interprofessional communication in enhancing patient safety and improving the quality of neonatal surgical care at UCTH.
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