Assessment of satisfaction,perceived effectiveness and associated factors of interprofessional communication between doctors and nurses in St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Internal Medicine Wards, 2025

Abstract

Abstract Background: Effective nurse-physician communication is essential for safe, high-quality healthcare, influencing patient outcomes, satisfaction, and efficiency. Globally, communication breakdowns are a leading cause of medical errors, contributing to >70% of sentinel events and hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Barriers include hierarchical structures, differing communication styles, workload, cultural and language differences, and organizational gaps. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, evidence consistently indicates suboptimal nurse physician communication, indicating an urgent public health challenge. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of interprofessional communication between doctors and nurses in St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Internal Medicine wards and to identify factors affecting them. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses(Sept 20, 2025–Dec 10, 2025). Data were collected using structured questionnaires measuring satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, individual behaviors, and organizational support. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze factors associated with satisfaction. Result: Overall, 68.2% of respondents were satisfied with interprofessional communication (mean = 3.38/5). Perceived effectiveness was moderate, with strengths in receiving accurate patient information and role clarity, but weaknesses in timely response and coordination,. Female sex was associated with lower satisfaction (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17–0.56). Shorter ward experience (1 2 years) was linked with lower satisfaction (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16–0.98). Low individual/behavioral factors (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.10–0.46) were significantly also associated with reduced satisfaction. Conclusion: Interprofessional communication between doctors and nurses in SPHMMC’s Internal Medicine wards showed moderate satisfaction but limited effectiveness in coordination and feedback. Higher satisfaction was linked to positive behaviors, strong organizational support and more ward experience, highlighting key factors that influence teamwork and patient care. Keywords: Interprofessional communication, satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, Nurse physician collaboration