Perceptions of Bedside Nurses Regarding Collaborative Decision-Making in Intensive Care Units

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 244–252

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000159

Original Research Article

Title: Perceptions of Bedside Nurses Regarding Collaborative Decision-Making in Intensive Care Units

Names of Authors: Amina O. Bello¹, Zanele T. Ndlovu²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
²Department of Nursing Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

Abstract:
Interprofessional collaboration within acute medical spaces directly shapes clinical patient survival and worker retention margins, yet traditional hierarchal boundaries often exclude nursing input. This descriptive cross-sectional study explored the perceptions, structural barriers, and professional satisfaction levels regarding collaborative decision-making among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. A sample of 135 full-time critical care nurses completed the Collaboration and Satisfaction About Care Decisions (CSACD) scale across three public teaching hospitals. The analytics indicated that the aggregate collaborative decision-making index was low, with only 32.6% of participants reporting active nurse inclusion during routine clinical rounds. The primary barriers highlighted included perceived clinical superiority from junior medical residents (78.5%), acute ward overextended hours (64.4%), and an absolute absence of joint ethical review committees. Independent sample t-tests showed that nurses holding advanced critical care certifications reported significantly higher baseline confidence to voice clinical assessments during emergencies (p = 0.004). Structural re-engineering of ICU protocols to mandate integrated bedside rounds, combined with communication strategies, is critical to optimize team performance and minimize professional burnout.

Keywords: Collaborative Decision-Making; Intensive Care Unit; Nursing Autonomy; Interprofessional Communication; Patient Safety; Critical Care.

Manuscript Timeline: Received July 25, 2026; Revised September 07, 2026; Accepted September 20, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Bello, A. O., & Ndlovu, Z. T. (2026). Perceptions of Bedside Nurses Regarding Collaborative Decision-Making in Intensive Care Units. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 244–252. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000159

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