Perceptions of interprofessional team collaboration among professionals working in the occupational health service in Sweden

Objectives:Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) among professionals in occupational health (OH) services is crucial when rendering a service to clients and customers. The aim of this study was to describe and compare perceptions relating to IPC among professionals working as OH providers in Sweden.Methods:This cross-sectional study with a descriptive and comparative design included 456 respondents representing different OH professions in Sweden. Data were collected using the Swedish short version of the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale adapted for OH ([AITCS]-SII[OH]), with its 3 subscales Partnership, Cooperation, and Coordination, and were analyzed and presented descriptively. Items and sum scores were dichotomized into inadequate and adequate and compared between sexes, workplaces, types of employment, and professions.Results:According to the responses, items related to openness, honesty, and trust were perceived as adequate among the respondents. The findings show that perceptions about IPC differed among the professions. The perception of IPC also differed between different types of organizations.Conclusions:The results show diverse perceptions between professionals and organizations. The perception of IPC may be influenced by the professional’s education in occupational safety and health. Study findings may be used to support further development of IPC in the OH service for the benefit of the clients. To develop IPC in the best interests of both professionals and customers/clients, further studies need to be performed to gain a deeper understanding of IPC in the OH context.Key points:Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) or interprofessional teamwork is investigated and described in different contexts, countries, and settings but surveys about IPC in the occupational health service (OHS) are rare. This study investigated IPC and teamwork in the Swedish occupational health context. The results show diverse perceptions between professionals and organizations. Study findings may be used to support further development or research of IPC in the OHS in Sweden or elsewhere.