Introduction: In the midst of a rapidly “graying” global population, addressing the complex health and social care needs of older adults through effective interdisciplinary collaboration becomes increasingly critical. The aim of this study was to investigate the relational dimensions of interprofessional community-based integrated care for older adults in Hong Kong.
Methods: This cross-sectional study Relational Coordination Survey (RCS) among health and social care professionals (social workers, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists) involved in interprofessional care teams for older adults in Hong Kong. The RCS measures seven dimensions of relational coordination (four relating to communication [frequency, timeliness, accuracy, and problem solving] and three relating to relationship [shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect]).
Results: A total of 207 online responses were analyzed. The resulting RCS scores varied significantly across professional groups, findings suggested that intra-professional collaboration is stronger than inter-professional collaboration. Moderate coordination was found within the same professional groups (>4.1). The between-group relational coordination was perceived as weak across professional groups, social workers reporting the lowest scores, indicating weaker coordination with other professionals (i.e., healthcare professionals).
Conclusion: This study provides insights into the complexity of relational dynamics in community-based integrated care. It suggests that enhancing relational coordination through strategic planning can improve team effectiveness and quality of care. The research suggests needed training among the different professions in interdisciplinary coordination. Further research is needed to explore how relational factors influence collaboration between health and social care professionals.

Authors:
Wing Shan Kan, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
Huizhen Zhu, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
Raul Lejano, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Prof. Kan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Hong Kong Baptist University and a registered social worker specializing in aged care. Her research focuses on gerontology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term care.

Prof. Raul Lejano is emeritus professor at NYU and professor (till May 2026) at HKUST. Research revolves around relational approaches to public policy. He is the author of Caring, Empathy, and the Commons: A Relational Theory of Collective Action.

Ms Huizhen ZHU is a PhD student from Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University. Her general research interests are integrated care for older adults and urban community governance.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wing-kan-b82a97b2

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wing-Kan?ev=hdr_xprf

Additional website of interest
https://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/WINGKAN/

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