Reciprocal intern-nurse shadowing program may lead to improved interprofessional collaboration

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41139520/ Shadowing Program Strengthens Nurse-Intern Collaboration and Communication A reciprocal shadowing program between pediatric interns and nurses improved understanding, teamwork, and communication between the two professions, according to an AHRQ-funded study. Published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, the study paired 60 pediatric interns and 52 acute care pediatric nurses in a 4-hour shadowing experience where each observed the other’s daily responsibilities from January 2020 to June 2023. Using pre-and post-shadowing surveys, researchers found that both groups gained clearer insight into each other's workflows and roles. Interns more accurately described nurses' work schedules after the program, and nurses significantly improved their understanding of interns' shift routines. More than 85 percent of interns and 90 percent of nurses reported that the experience positively influenced their teamwork and communication in daily practice. Researchers recommended incorporating such programs early in medical and nursing training to promote lasting interprofessional understanding.