Team communication and collaboration in hospice pain management

Abstract

This dissertation explores communication and collaboration of two hospice teams regarding pain management with a framework of The Model of Interdisciplinary Collaboration (Bronstein, 2003). Professionals (n=15) doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains participated in the qualitative grounded theory study through interviews and observation. They communicated about pain by creative, timely exchange of bio-psychosocial information. They collaborated about pain by using the concept of total pain, partnering with patients/families, and using a holistic approach to assessment of physical pain. There was a common vision but different perspectives. Implications include need for leadership and structure to support creative approaches to complex health situations. Social work could foster interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. The study lays groundwork for examining effective team pain management.