The Lived Experience of Healthcare Professionals in the Implementation of Interprofessional Collaboration

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of healthcare professionals who implemented interprofessional collaboration (IPC) in a public tertiary hospital lacking a formal IPC framework. Using an interpretive phenomenological design, data were collected from 9 purposively selected multidisciplinary staff members. Analysis followed a Two-Phase Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis and was mapped using the Networked Ecological Systems Theory (NEST). Findings revealed that IPC largely depends on informal workarounds and staff adaptability to address systemic barriers such as equipment failures, rigid hierarchies, and unclear protocols. Conversely, structured referral systems and professional validation enhanced collaboration. Results highlight the unsustainability of informal practices and emphasize the need for a formal IPC Manual to standardize communication, improve infrastructure support, and strengthen interdepartmental coordination. This study provides localized, evidence-based insights to guide institutional policy development toward a more collaborative and patient-centered healthcare system.