Factors Related to Interprofessional Collaboration Competency Among Dental Hygienists: A Two‐Center Cross‐Sectional Study
Yumeno Kato, Kanade Ito, Yuhei Matsuda, Takahiro Kanno, Haruna Ozawa, Junji Haruta, Yuji KabasawaABSTRACT
Objectives
We aimed to examine whether factors such as interprofessional relationships and educational experiences are associated with interprofessional competency among dental hygienists in Japan.
Methods
Between September and October 2023, this cross‐sectional study was conducted among 48 dental hygienists from two university hospitals, using the Japanese version of the Self‐assessment Scale of Interprofessional Competency (JASSIC). JASSIC evaluates competencies across six domains: Patient‐/Client‐/Family‐/Community‐Centered, Interprofessional Communication, Role Contribution, Facilitation of Relationships, Reflection, and Understanding of Others. Associations between JASSIC scores and explanatory variables were analysed using Spearman's rank‐order correlation coefficient and the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results
All 48 participants responded (response rate: 100%). Several background factors were significantly associated with JASSIC scores. In particular, a higher presence of teaching dental hygienists at the workplace was associated with higher scores in Patient‐/Client‐/Family‐/Community‐Centered domain ( p < 0.05). Additionally, higher participation in interprofessional conferences was associated with higher scores in Interprofessional Communication and Understanding of Others domains (both: p < 0.05).
Conclusions
In this study, active participation in interprofessional conferences and the presence of teaching dental hygienists were significantly associated with interprofessional competency among dental hygienists. These factors were linked to higher communication‐related competency scores and understanding of other professionals. Therefore, collaborative and educational workplace environments may be related to higher interprofessional competency among dental hygienists.