Collaborative practices in unscheduled emergency care: role and impact of the emergency care practitioner--quantitative findings.

Objective: To identify collaborative instances and hindrances and to produce a model of collaborative practice.

Methods: A 12 month (2005-6) mixed methods clinical case study in a large UK ambulance trust. Collaboration was measured through direct observational ratings of communication skills, teamwork and leadership with 24 multiprofessional emergency care practitioners (ECPs); interviews with 45 ECPs and stakeholders; and an audit of 611 patients.

Collaborative practices in unscheduled emergency care: role and impact of the emergency care practitioner--qualitative and summative findings.

Objective: To identify collaborative instances and hindrances and to produce a model of collaborative practice.

Methods: A 12-month (2005-2006) mixed methods clinical case study was carried out in a large UK ambulance trust. Collaboration was measured through direct observational ratings of communication skills, teamwork and leadership with 24 multi-professional emergency care practitioners (ECPs), interviews with 45 ECPs and stakeholders, and an audit of 611 patients

Results: Using a generic qualitative approach, observational records and interviews showed that ECPs' numerous links with other professions were influenced by three major themes as follows.