Exploring the Relationship Between Nurses’ Perceptions of Teamwork and Caring Behaviors: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

Abstract

Background: Despite the important role of teamwork in ensuring high-quality nursing care, little research has been conducted on nursing teamwork and its relationship with nurses’ caring behaviors, especially in developing countries. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the perceptions of teamwork and caring behaviors among nurses working in hospitals in northwest Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 nurses who were recruited through a simple random stratified sampling method in four public and private hospitals in Tabriz, northwest Iran. Data were collected using questionnaires that assessed demographic characteristics, the Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire, and the Caring Behavior Inventory (CBI-24). Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses using SPSS-26 software. Results: The mean values obtained in the study indicate that the participants had acceptable levels of teamwork (3.64 ± 0.62) and caring behaviors (5.10 ± 0.74). A positive relationship was observed between the teamwork and the caring behaviors score of the participants (r = 0.555; p < 0.01), and after controlling for confounder variables, team structure (β = 0.129), mutual support (β = 0.250), and communication (β = 0.304) explained 35.6% of the variance in caring behaviors (F = 25.56; p < 0.01; adjusted R2 = 0.356). Conclusion: The results demonstrate that enhancing nursing teamwork, particularly in terms of team structure, mutual support, and communication, can be an effective strategy for promoting caring behaviors in hospitals. Strengthening nursing teamwork should be emphasized as one of the main priorities by all stakeholders, including clinical nurse leaders, managers, and instructors. Implication for Nursing Management: The present study has implications for nurses, nursing and hospital administrators, nursing schools, and the health system at the macro level. Through inclusion in accreditation programs, reviewing educational curricula can help strengthen teamwork among nurses. By addressing these implications, stakeholders at all levels can benefit from the powerful link between teamwork and compassionate caring behavior of nurses in the hospitals.