| The health care system includes patients, clinicians, families, and care teams. The importance of communication and collaboration among all of these stakeholders in the provision of safe and effective health care is well documented. Health care systems are more effective when people work together as an interdisciplinary group with the capacity to achieve best outcomes and continually improve care. This action research study explored the question, "How will collaboration strengthen relationships between the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department at Abbotsford Regional Hospital in Fraser Health?". Research participants, consisting of Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department staff, responded to a questionnaire and participated in a conversation cafe. Study findings suggest that the cornerstone of collaboration is communication, and the skills of communication can enhance working relationships. Recommendations include the development of a comprehensive strategy to enhance communication skills specifically between the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Departments. |
