Nurse-physician collaboration and associations with perceived autonomy in Cypriot critical care nurses

Abstract

Background and aims: Increased nurse-physician collaboration is a factor in improved patient outcomes. Limited autonomy of nurses has been proposed as a barrier to collaboration. This study aims to explore nurse-physician collaboration and potential associations with nurses’ autonomy and pertinent nurses’ characteristics in adult intensive care units (ICUs) in Cyprus. Design and Methods: Descriptive correlational study with sampling of the entire adult ICU nurses’ population in Cyprus (five ICUs in four public hospitals, n=163, response rate 88⋅58%). Nurse-physician collaboration was assessed by the Collaboration and Satisfaction About Care Decisions Scale (CSACD), and autonomy by the Varjus et al. scale. Results: The average CSACD score was 36⋅36±13⋅30 (range: 7–70), implying low levels of collaboration and satisfaction with care decisions. Male participants reported significantly lower CSACD scores (t =2⋅056, p=0⋅04). CSACD correlated positively with years of ICU nursing experience (r =0⋅332, p<0⋅0001) and professional satisfaction (r =0⋅455, p<0⋅0001). The mean autonomy score was 76⋅15±16⋅84 (range: 18–108). Higher degree of perceived collaboration (CSACD scores) associated with higher autonomy scores (r =0⋅508, p <0⋅0001). Conclusions: Our findings imply low levels of nurse-physician collaboration and satisfaction with care decisions and moderate levels of autonomy in ICU nurses in Cyprus. Relevance to clinical practice: The results provide insight into the association between nurse-physician collaboration and nurses’ autonomy and the correlating factors.