Interprofessional collaboration and associated factors among wound, ostomy, and continence nurses: a cross-sectional study in China.

BACKGROUND

Wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurses play a crucial role in providing cost-effective and high-quality care for an increasing number of people with acute and chronic wounds. WOC nursing is a multifaceted, evidence-based specialty practice requiring inter-professional collaboration (IPC). IPC is a core competency that ensures comprehensive and holistic wound management, yet few studies have examined IPC among WOC nurses in China. This study aimed to investigate the level and influencing factors of IPC among WOC nurses in China, providing insights into IPC education and intervention.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 WOC nurses recruited from various hospitals from January to February 2025. Participants completed an online questionnaire to assess their IPC competency, readiness for interprofessional learning, and work environment. Multiple linear regression was used to determine influencing factors for IPC competency.

RESULTS

The mean scores for IPC, readiness for inter-professional learning, and work environment were 134.49 ± 10.99, 81.15 ± 6.00, and 127.1 ± 18.78, respectively. A higher level of inter-professional learning readiness (β = 0.46, P < 0.001), a better work environment (β = 0.39, P < 0.001), and being a WOC team leader (β = 0.12, P = 0.008) were associated with a higher level of IPC competency, collectively explaining 55.1% of the total variance.

CONCLUSION

WOC nurses showed a generally good level of IPC, but there is still room for improvement. IPC may be effectively improved through optimizing the work environment, strengthening IPC learning, and empowering nurses with leadership responsibilities.