Impact of Health and Health-Related Domains on Professionals’ Perceptions of Care Complexity, Their Preferences for Integrated Care Planning and Interprofessional Collaboration

Introduction: Increasing healthcare complexity necessitates the integration of perspectives from professionals with diverse expertise, patients, and families for optimal care. However, there is no consensus on ‘care complexity’, and expectations for integrated care planning vary. This study examines how different health domains influence professionals’ perceptions and preferences.

Methods: Ninety-eight medical doctors and nursing professionals assessed care complexity, integrated care planning needs, and interprofessional collaboration using thirteen paper cases based on five domains from the International Classification for Functioning (ICF). Conjoint analysis explored perceptions, preferences, and variations by occupation and work experience.

Results: Higher care complexity and need for integrated care planning were linked to impairments of body functions, complex personal factors in terms of chronic health condition and medical needs, and external factors. Allied health, social, and external professionals were more frequently included in multidisciplinary team meetings based on domain-specific complexities. Medical doctors showed a greater tendency than nursing professionals to involve family in integrated care planning.

Discussion: The study identifies key drivers of care complexity and integrated care planning, revealing occupation- and experience-based differences. Addressing these differences is crucial for improving interprofessional collaboration.

Conclusion: This research provides a multidimensional view of care complexity, highlighting the factors that shape professionals’ preferences for integrated care planning.