Abstract
This study sought to explore perceptions of nurses and social workers regarding interprofessional collaboration within the hospital setting. Specifically, this study examines barriers to collaboration as well as aspects of positive collaboration in an effort to outline ways in which collaboration between social workers and nurses can be improved. The study used a qualitative method and incorporated interviews. Four social workers and three nurses participated in the study. Ultimately, it was found that collaboration between social workers and nurses is overall positive, although time management continues to be a barrier. Social workers stated that management was crucial to how social workers are viewed and respected within the hospital. More research regarding management’s role in supporting interprofessional collaboration needs to be done to further improve interprofessional collaboration between social workers and nurses to improve the quality of care for patients. Nevertheless, the findings of this study suggest that collaboration in the hospital setting may be improving.