The Division of Roles and Coordination between Doctors and Nurses for the Treatment of Chronic Disease Region Patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the cases that doctors and nurses work together coordinately for the treatment of chronic disease region patients to find out a desirable division of roles and coordination.
Method: We selected four cases and interviewed the doctor, nursing administrator, and nurse. We analyzed the features, contents, and characteristics of organization for understanding the coordination between doctors and nurses.
Results: Four preceding cases were assessed. The contents in the division of roles and the coordination between doctors and nurses were as follows: (1) assessment of dose arrangement by nurses based on the current status of patients and report the same to the doctors; (2) consultation during recuperation and psychological support; (3) receive instructions regarding medical examinations and medical prescription by doctors; (4) receive brief informed consent by doctors and detailed informed consent to adapt each patient's life by nurses; and (5) performance of examination, dose arrangement, informed consent, and observation by nurses. The effects of these aforementioned points were improvement in patient satisfaction and increase in the original business time of the doctors. However, the issue was that there was no agreement regarding the division of roles between doctors and nurses.
Conclusion: It is suggested that the division of roles and coordination between doctors and nurses in chronic disease region must be renewed. We have realized that it is necessary to structure protocols and risk control systems, and to train doctors and nurses.