Navigating interprofessional collaboration in diabetes care: A qualitative study of early-career health professionals in malaysian primary care clinics

IPC in diabetes management is a complex system requiring ECHPs to employ interrelated components for effective engagement. ECHPs overcame hierarchical barriers through proactive dialogue, reflecting a shift toward egalitarian teamwork. Digital platforms aided coordination, though face-to-face interactions were preferred for complex cases and direct communication. Team cohesion was strengthened through shared leadership, conflict resolution, and interprofessional learning, enabling ECHPs to adapt and contribute confidently. Educational institutions should integrate emotional intelligence, negotiation skills and digital ethics into IPC curricula. Healthcare organizations must reinforce collaborative practices through policies, mentorship and structured training to bridge theory-practice gaps. Future research should explore informal socialization, peer coaching and long-term digital communication impacts to strengthen IPC support for ECHPs.