Inter-professional collaboration in family doctor teams of the Chinese primary care system: a thematic analysis

Abstract Introduction Integrated primary care is advocated worldwide to address the increasing health needs of patients. Inter-professional collaboration (IPC) among family doctor teams (FDTs) aim to provide integrated primary care in China. This study explored how healthcare professionals in FDTs perceive and practice IPC. Methods We conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 43 participants from six FDTs, including general practitioners (GPs), nurses, and public health physicians. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results The analysis revealed three themes: notions, key activities, and elements of IPC in FDTs. Although the concept of IPC varied among interviewees, there were a few commonalities. There was IPC in the delivery of basic medical services (daytime outpatient services and knowledge exchange) and public health services (signing contracts with patients, chronic disease management, health examinations for the elderly, and electronic information entry). The seven elements of IPC include shared goals and vision, communication, leadership, familiarization and trust, time and space for interaction, formalization tools, and incentive mechanisms. Conclusions IPC in FDTs in Chinese primary health settings is in the stage of development. We recommend inter-professional competence education for all professionals, adequate interactive space and human resources, supporting cultural environment in primary health institutions (PHIs), and a collaboration-oriented incentive system for FDTs in China.