The Influence of Interpersonal Relationships on Collaboration Between Nurses and Physicians in Hospitals

Posted: Nov 18, 2022

• Tessa Lawson
• Harley Boyd
• Vivian Greene

Abstract

The contemporary healthcare landscape demands effective collaboration between nurses and physicians to ensure optimal patient outcomes. While substantial research has examined structural and procedural aspects of interprofessional collaboration, the fundamental role of interpersonal relationships remains inadequately explored. This study addresses this critical gap by developing a comprehensive framework that positions interpersonal dynamics as the central determinant of collaborative success in hospital settings. Traditional approaches have often treated collaboration as a function of organizational design or communication protocols, neglecting the complex human relationships that form the foundation of effective teamwork. Our research questions challenge conventional assumptions by asking: How do specific interpersonal relationship qualities between nurses and physicians predict collaborative effectiveness? What relational mechanisms facilitate or hinder interprofessional cooperation? To what extent can relationship-focused interventions improve collaboration beyond structural changes alone? These questions guided our investigation into the nuanced ways that trust, mutual respect, and emotional connection influence professional interactions. The novelty of this research lies in its application of relational sociology to healthcare collaboration, integrating concepts from social psychology and organizational behavior that have been largely absent from medical literature. By treating relationships as dynamic systems rather than static variables, we developed a more holistic understanding of how nurse-physician partnerships evolve and function. This perspective represents a significant departure from reductionist approaches that oversimplify the complexity of human interaction in high-stakes environments.