Table 1.
Overview of the studies included in this review.
| Study | Aims | Method | Sample | Key Findings | CASP Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bollen et al. 2018 [7] | Identify factors that influence interprofessional collaboration between GP and Pharmacists | Systematic Review, PRISMA | 26,452 GP and Pharmacists (37 articles) (International) |
Hierarchy between GP and community pharmacists, lack of clarity of roles. Previous experience and co-location may assist | Strong |
| Fejzic et al. 2010 [19] | Investigate HCP views on their relationships and reaching concordant partnerships with consumers regarding use of TCM. | Problem Detection Study Survey/Questionnaire | 6 pharmacists 5 TCM-HCP 5 GP (Australia) |
3 HCPs agreed on shared information to consumers, IPC through understanding roles, complementary and alternative medicine education required. | Strong |
| Foronda et al. 2016 [4] | Shed light onto what is known about IPC and IPC education. | Integrative Review, Whittemore and Knafl method | Nurses Medical Doctors (18 articles) (Australia) |
Biomedical dominance (professional/organisation/structural), lack of trust hindered IPC. Standardised tools, common language and simulations help IPC. | Strong |
| Gallagher and Gallagher, 2012 [20] | Identify factors that help or hinder working relationships between medical doctors and pharmacists. | Narrative review | Pharmacists Medical Doctors (International) |
Lack of IPC, trust and perception of autonomy loss determined quality of working partnership. Importance of education and agreed working practices/roles. | Moderate |
| Grace and Higgs, 2010 [21] | Examine the relationships between GP and TCM and their respective roles in co-located medical facilities. | Van Manen Hermeneutic phenomenology, semi structured interviewsFocus groups, In-depth interviews | 8 GP 13 TCM-HCP (Australia) |
Mutual power sharing and acknowledgement of TCM-HCProles by GP enhance IPC. | Strong |
| Gray and Orrock, 2014 [22] | Explore HCP perspectives on integrating TCM with biomedicine, identify factors influencing referral between TCM-HCP and other HCP | Semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis | 2 GP 4 TCM-HCP (Australia) |
Informal IPC reinforces collaboration, shared vision and trust. Mutual respect drives IPC. Poor record keeping, and medicolegal risks reduce referral rate | Strong |
| Hunter et al. 2012 [23] | Contribute to research and debate on what constitutes an integrative medicine team and the impact of biomedical dominance | Case study of integrative medicine clinic, mixed methods | 6 GP 4 Allied health 4 TCM -HCP 1 Health Service Manager (Australia) |
Biomedical dominance, lack of role clarification limited communication and team collaboration | Moderate |
| Janamian et al. 2011 [24] | Develop, implement, evaluate a TCM information resource for General Practice. | Evaluation fact sheets, post-intervention survey | 92 GPs (Australia) |
Education through factsheets enhance GP knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine, academic detailing, reminder systems and feedback effective, printed materials and lectures least effective. | Strong |
| Leach and Tucker, 2017 [25] | Shed light on the gap between research and TCM practice | Mixed methods cross-sectional study: survey and semi-structured interviews | 43 academics 29 academics from TCM journals (International) |
Mutual medical language communication encouraged amongst HCP, TCM -HCP have limited research literacy, different TCM ethos | Strong |
| McInnes et al. 2015 [1] | Identify facilitators and barriers influencing collaboration and teamwork between GPs and nurses working in general practice | Integrative Review, thematic analysis | GPs, Nurses 11 articles (International) |
Factors impeding collaboration between GP & Nurse: hierarchy, trust, liability, respect | Strong |
| O’Reilly et al. 2017 [26] | Examine accounts and analyse barriers and facilitators of interdisciplinary teamwork in primary care settings from the perspective of service providers | Integrative Review, PRISMA, Normalisation Theory | 32 HCP (49 articles) (International) |
Traditional hierarchies, remuneration costs, lack of clarity of roles impede IPC. Formal and informal methods of communication may assist. | Strong |
| Schadewaldt et al., 2013 [6] | Summarise the evidence about the views and experiences of nurse practitioners and Medical Doctors with collaborative practice in primary health care settings. | Integrative Review, PRISMA, Whittlemore and Knafl approach, Thematic Synthesis | 1641 Medical Doctors 380 Nurse practitioners (27 articles) (Australia) |
Lack of role clarification limit IPC. Informal communication, mutual trust and respect, co-location promote IPC. | Strong |
| Singer et al. 2013 [27] | Investigate perspectives of HSM regarding their role in facilitating effective integrative practice between TCM-HCP and other HCP. | Semi-structured interviews; | 8 Health Service Managers (Australia) |
Facilitators of IPC: meetings, respect, education, shared values, co-location | Strong |
| Smith et al. 2014 [28] | Examine and understand the knowledge and attitudes of clinical health professionals working in reproduction medicine towards evidence-based practice and research. | Cross-sectional online survey | 17 Medical Doctors 32 Nurse 22 Counsellor 4 Other (Australia) |
Barriers of time and lack of support for evidence base research to improve clinical practice, lack of knowledge of professions and biomedical dominance | Strong |
| Soklaridis et al. 2009 [29] | Explore communication amongst the various stakeholders in an integrative health clinic. | In-depth individual interviews, semi-structured and focus groups | 8 Clients 5 Hospital Administrators 8 Board Members 5 Practitioners (Canada) |
Hierarchy present between biomedical practitioners and TCM -HCP, lack of formal IPC and referral rates. | Strong |
| Supper et al. 2014 [30] | Identify factors that influence interprofessional collaboration in the primary care setting. | Systematic review, thematic analysis | 513 Mental Health Practitioners 374 Allied Health 164 Midwives 58 Pharmacists 48 Receptionists (44 articles) (International) |
Hierarchy, lack of clarity of roles, traditional biomedical views impedes IPC. Shared communication tools such as electronic health records may assist. | Strong |
| Ung et al. 2017 [31] | Explore perceptions and opinions of pharmacists and other key stakeholder leaders about TCM barriers and potential solutions. | Semi-structured key informant interviews, pilot explorative interviews | 8 Key stakeholders 4 Pharmacists (Australia) |
Poor IPC between pharmacists and Medical Doctors about TCM. More TCM education required. | Strong |
| Wiese et al. 2010 [32] | Explore the research and commentary literature on the current and emerging relationship between biomedicine and TCM. | Systematic qualitative review | 2011 HCP (55 articles) (International) |
Conventional HCP dominate TCM-HCP and prefer selective incorporation of TCM into practice. | Moderate |
TCM-HCP = Traditional and Complementary Medicine; GP = General Practitioners; HCP = Health Care Practitioners; IPC = Interprofessional Communication; NP = Nurse Practitioners.