title: Interprofessional collaboration and communication in nursing homes: a qualitative exploration of problems in medical care for nursing home residents – study protocol.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explores the current state of collaboration and communication between nurses and general practitioners in nursing homes, as well as needs and expectations of nursing home residents and their families. Finally, we aim to develop a new model of collaboration and communication.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Rising numbers of residents in nursing homes present a challenge for general practice and nursing in most Western countries. In Germany, general practitioners visit their patients in nursing homes, where nurses work in shifts. This leads to a big variety of contacts with regard to persons involved and ways of communication.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative multicentre study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study part 1 explores needs and problems in interprofessional collaboration in interviews with nursing home residents and their relatives, general practitioners and nurses. Simultaneously, general practitioners' visits in nursing homes are observed directly. In study part 2, general practitioners and nurses will discuss findings from study part 1 in focus groups, aiming to develop strategies for the improvement of shortcomings in a participatory way. Based on the results, experts will contribute to the emerging model of collaboration and communication in a multi-professional workshop. Finally, this model will be tested in a small feasibility study. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research approved funding in March 2011.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study is expected to uncover deficits and opportunities in interprofessional collaboration in nursing homes. It provides deeper understanding of the concepts of all involved person groups and adds important clues for the interaction between professionals and older people in this setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Christiane A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Britta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tetzlaff
authors.forename: Gudrun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Theile
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fleischmann
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cavazzini
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Geister
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scherer
authors.forename: Siegfried
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weyerer
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van den Bussche
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hummers-Pradier
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D058006:General Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009735:Nursing Homes; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: interpersonal communication; long-term care; nurse-physician relationship; older people; primary care; qualitative approaches