Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40499973›Full record

ArticleBMJ open quality2025

Beyond the individual: a qualitative case study into the systemic determinants of speaking-up behaviour in multidisciplinary team meetings.

Dimmy van Dongen, Jaco Tresfon, Frank Guldenmund, Daphne Roos, Jop Groeneweg, Irene Grossmann

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open quality, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Dimmy van DongenDelft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands d.m.g.vandongen@tudelft.nl.ORCID 0009-0004-1818-583X
Jaco TresfonDelft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-4267-5295
Frank GuldenmundDelft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0002-4826-7519
Daphne RoosReinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-0394-0842
Jop GroenewegDelft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.ORCID 0009-0008-3118-7927
Irene GrossmannInstitute for Health Systems Science, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-1863-6827

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) voicing their views (speaking up) is crucial for patient safety and care quality. Yet, this is underused, especially during multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs), where diverse professionals collaborate to optimise patient treatment plans. Despite the benefits of open communication, HCWs face barriers such as hierarchical dynamics, time constraints and psychological risks.

aimThis study examines factors influencing HCWs' speaking-up behaviours in MDTMs, focusing on motivators, barriers and dynamics across disciplines.

methodWe conducted 21 semistructured interviews with MDTM participants of a gastrointestinal surgery ward, including surgeons, residents, nurses, nursing students, dieticians, ostomy nurses and physical therapists. Data were analysed collaboratively using thematic analysis.

resultsParticipants are highly motivated to advocate for patients and provide optimal care. However, barriers impact speaking up during MDTMs. Three major themes were identified: (1) time pressure, (2) perception of goals and roles and (3) familiarity among team members. Structural, relational and contextual factors affect HCWs' ability to speak up, with nurses and paramedics experiencing more hesitancy than physicians. Lack of preparation time, ambiguous objectives, no formal agenda and unfamiliarity among team members hinder contributions, leading to unbalanced input.

conclusionFindings support a systems-based approach to addressing barriers. Interventions should focus on clear goals, reduced time pressures and enhanced team cohesion, rather than placing the responsibility solely on individuals. For instance, adjusting meeting schedules to accommodate diverse availability improves participation across disciplines. Strengthening familiarity among team members fosters trust and lowers the perceived risks of speaking up, ensuring more balanced contributions during MDTMs.

Indexed as

Health PersonnelPatient Care TeamAdultFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchCommunicationHuman factorsPatient safetyShared decision makingTeams

Identifiers

PMID40499973
PMCPMC12161376

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.