Assessing Knowledge And Attitude Of Hcws On Inter-Professional Education And Collaboration In Jizan Region; A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Effective inter-professional collaboration is vital for optimizing healthcare outcomes. This study focuses on healthcare workers in the Jizan Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and challenges concerning inter-professional collaboration.

Aim: The study aims to assess the current state of inter-professional collaboration among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Jizan Region, KSA, with a focus on understanding their knowledge levels, attitudes, identifying potential barriers, and examining the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and demographic factors.

Method: A descriptive and quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed, involving multidisciplinary healthcare teams in selected Jizan Region hospitals. Data were collected through a questionnaire measuring knowledge and attitudes, and analyses were conducted using SPSS version 28.

Findings and Results: The demographic profile of healthcare workers in Jizan, KSA, reveals a predominantly male workforce (90.6%) with diverse educational backgrounds, notably featuring a high percentage of Ph.D. holders (33.1%). Psychometrically validated scales indicate positive attitudes (M=44.40) and high knowledge levels (M=49.34) among participants, with positively skewed distributions. Healthcare professionals displayed overwhelmingly positive attitudes (207 out of 257) and high knowledge levels toward emphasizing a positive foundation for collaborative practices in the region.

Conclusion: The study contributes valuable insights to the KSA healthcare context, indicating a positive foundation for inter-professional collaboration. Recommendations include tailored training programs and interventions addressing communication barriers. Limitations, such as the cross-sectional nature of the study, should be considered in interpreting the results.