Introduction: Collaboration between physicians and nurses at the primary level of
healthcare significantly influences the quality, safety, and efficiency of patient care. In the
context of increasing population health needs and growing demands on the healthcare
system, effective interprofessional communication and coordinated teamwork are essential
for achieving optimal treatment outcomes. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to explore
different forms of collaboration between physicians and nurses at the primary healthcare
level and to identify which of these are recognized in the literature as examples of good
practice. Methods: A literature review methodology was used. Sources were searched in the
databases PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and COBISS and search enginge Google
Scholar, using appropriate search strings and predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Included were full-text sources published in the last ten years in Slovenian or English,
addressing physician–nurse collaboration at the primary healthcare level. Duplicate sources
and those not directly related to the research topic were excluded. Results: The results of
the literature review indicate that collaboration between physicians and nurses is
implemented in various forms, ranging from hierarchically structured and delegation-based
models to more contemporary, partnership-oriented approaches characterized by greater
professional autonomy of nurses. Key factors of effective collaboration were identified,
including clearly defined roles, structured communication, mutual trust, appropriate
leadership, and organizational support. Examples of good practice were also described,
including team-based training, structured communication models, and collaborative
leadership approaches. Discussion and conclusion: The findings indicate that partnership
based models of collaboration between physicians and nurses contribute to higher quality of
care, increased patient satisfaction, and enhanced professional satisfaction among health care
professionals. Unclear roles and insufficient communication are frequently identified as
barriers to effective collaboration, while examples of good practice emphasize clear task
allocation, regular communication, and shared decision-making. To improve collaborative
practice, clear recommendations and further research are needed to support the development
of effective interprofessional collaboration models in primary health care.
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