ABSTRACT
Identifying learning needs to enhance communication skills between doctors (MDs) and nurses (RNs) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to deliver safe care to residents
Marilyn Richards-Douglas
The purpose of the study was to understand how nurses working in LTCFs perceive their communication with doctors in order to give safe care to residents and to identify learning needs to enhance communication skill between doctors and nurses.  This qualitative study was based on narratives obtained through interviews with six nurse Team Leaders working in the same LTCF. The interdisciplinary team they lead includes nurses’ aides, licenced practical nurses, the team leader, the head nurse and the doctor and they work with occupational therapists, social workers, ergo-therapists, pharmacists, kitchen aids and nutritionists.  Other individuals present on the floor on a continual basis are the family members and companions of the residents.  All six team leaders expressed their desire to continue to work in the role of Team Leader and helped better define the following areas of concerns and needs to improve communication in their setting especially with the doctors.  The insights gained are discussed under the following titles: 
A. Preparedness for Team Leadership in LTCs: Education and Practice as Team Leaders. 
--Nursing Education
--Challenges encountered as Team Leader
--Autonomy in Nursing Practice
--The Need To Be Recognized
B.	RN Perception/Narratives of Working Relationship with the MD
--Communicating with doctors in LTC
--Perceived Barriers to Effective Communication
--Developing the Skill of Communication
--Strategies for Collaborative Practice