| Introduction: This abstract synthesizes three related dissertation manuscripts: a concept analysis
and two quantitative studies examining nurses' perceptions of the team nursing model and
associated training in nursing home settings. The concept analysis explored teamwork and team
nursing, drawing on Aristotle's principle that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,"
underscoring the value of effective collaboration in improving patient outcomes.
Purpose: The concept analysis study (study #1) aimed to explore the concept of 'teamwork' in
nursing, grounded in the perspective that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Teamwork, communication, and collaboration play a critical role in the quality of care and
outcomes. The second study (perception of nurses on team nursing model training) explored
nurses' perceptions of the training they received before implementing a team nursing model. The
third study (team nursing model) investigated and compared differences in nurses' perceptions of
the team nursing model used in geriatric care settings, specifically nursing homes.
Background: Several factors contribute to the complexity of nurse staffing issues, necessitating
the adoption of a nursing care model that aligns effectively with the services provided in the
nursing unit Effective nursing care in nursing homes depends on appropriate models like team
nursing, which utilizes the skill mix of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs),
and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to enhance collaboration and care delivery. In team
nursing, the nursing professionals collaborate to deliver patient care effectively, and the collaborative approach hinges on strong communication and teamwork among team members,
enabling comprehensive patient care.
Methods: The three-manuscript dissertation employed a mixed methods research design – a
concept analysis and two cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative studies. The principle-based
concept analysis approach analyzes teamwork and team nursing concepts and connects them
logically to Aristotle's idea that the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” highlighting the
epistemological, pragmatic, linguistic, and logical principles. After IRB approval and a pretest of
the survey tool, two cross-sectional surveys were administered to 380 RNs and LPNs/LVNs
across thirteen western U.S. states. The surveys assessed perceptions of team nursing and related
training experiences. The Principle-Based Concept Analysis also highlighted the
epistemological, pragmatic, linguistic, and logical principles of teamwork and team nursing.
Results: The first study (concept analysis) revealed that effective teamwork, communication,
and collaboration significantly influence patient care quality and outcomes. Trust is essential for
a team to function cohesively; members must engage proactively with their colleagues and
patients. Emphasizing Aristotle's notion, collaboration among team members and their patients
allows patients to participate in their care. The second study (team nursing training) showed
statistically significant differences in perceived training across experience levels (F = 5.87, p <
0.001), with nurses with 5–8 years of experience reporting the lowest satisfaction. The findings
suggest that while the training was generally well-received, gaps exist in its effectiveness for
certain experienced groups. The third study (team nursing model) also found a statistically
significant difference in nurses' perception across factors such as communication, collaboration,
teamwork, and work knowledge (p < .001). These results highlight the need for structured
training and clear role definitions.
Conclusion: The studies emphasize the importance of tailored team nursing strategies,
continuous professional development, and supportive leadership to strengthen teamwork and
improve patient outcomes in geriatric care. Aristotle suggested that when the whole becomes
fragmented, it can inhibit quality patient care outcomes. The statistically significant differences
in nurses' perceptions demonstrate that nurses perceive team nursing as improving patient care
delivery and outcomes.
Keywords: Teamwork, team nursing, concept analysis, geriatric care, nursing home, training
perception, collaborative care |