Interprofessional Communication Shaping Health-Promoting and Sustainable Working Life in Psychiatric Outpatient Units

This thesis research describes and explores how interprofessional communication shapes a health-promoting and sustainable working life in psychiatric outpatient units. Four studies are conducted using qualitative methods, including a concept analysis using a hybrid model, a focused ethnography, focus groups, and a vignette study. These methods analyze the role of inter-professional communication in collaboration, clarifying professional roles, and influencing the work environment in psychiatric outpatient units. The studies identify key elements such as trust, role understanding, and openness as central to strengthening communication, teamwork, and patient safety. The results show that leadership plays an important role in enabling an open communication culture but that hierarchical structures and unclear areas of responsibility can create barriers. Standardized communication tools, such as SBAR, contribute to structured information transfer, but at the same time, the importance of informal communication to build relationships and promote collaboration emerges. The studies highlight the need for a cultural change toward more equal and inclusive communication, which requires organizational changes in which all clinicians have a voice in decision-making. The work environment can be improved by strengthening interprofessional communication, promoting a longterm sustainable workplace, and contributing to better care for patients in psychiatric outpatient units.