The Impact of Medical Secretaries on Healthcare Team Dynamics: A Qualitative Study of Interprofessional Collaboration in Clinical Settings

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to explore the impact of medical secretaries on healthcare team dynamics and interprofessional collaboration in clinical settings.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 healthcare professionals, including medical secretaries, physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, from three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to the role of medical secretaries in facilitating interprofessional collaboration and teamwork.
Results: Four main themes emerged: 1) Medical secretaries as central coordinators of care, 2) Medical secretaries as facilitators of communication and information exchange, 3) Medical secretaries as mediators of interprofessional relationships, and 4) Challenges and opportunities for optimizing the role of medical secretaries in healthcare teams. Participants emphasized the crucial role of medical secretaries in coordinating patient care, facilitating effective communication among team members, and fostering positive interprofessional relationships. However, they also identified challenges such as role ambiguity, lack of recognition, and limited opportunities for professional development.
Conclusions: Medical secretaries play a vital role in promoting interprofessional collaboration and effective team dynamics in healthcare settings. Optimizing their role through clear job descriptions, training, and recognition can enhance teamwork and ultimately improve patient care. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions to support the integration of medical secretaries in healthcare teams.