Relational Coordination Among Military and Civilian Nurses and Physicians in an Army Hospital: Do Demographic Characteristics and Professional Roles Matter?

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore whether demographic characteristics and professional roles are associated with relational coordination (RC) among nurses and physicians.

Background: The increased race, age, and gender diversity in the nursing and medical workforce raises questions regarding how well nurses and physicians communicate and interact. Relational coordination is a unique framework to enhance teamwork and care coordination among healthcare professionals.

Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in a military hospital. The study variables were examined using multiple regression.

Results: Two-hundred eighty-nine participants completed the survey. Professional role, race, age, gender, and experience were not associated with RC. Rank and education were significantly associated with RC. Enlisted service members reported higher RC between roles, and participants with graduate degrees reported lower RC within roles.

Conclusion: Hospital leaders can implement RC to foster inclusivity and teamwork among healthcare professionals despite demographic characteristics and professional roles.