Collaborative practice between Ontario nurses and physicians: is it possible?

Numerous historical, psychological, social and cultural factors have caused the development and endurance of an unequal relationship pattern between the physician and the nurse. Nurses have assumed a position of lower status and dependency on physicians, and have been viewed as physicians' helpers or "handmaidens". However, with today's rapid technological changes, ethical and moral dilemmas, and cost constraints, high quality patient care cannot occur without equal contribution of both nursing and medicine. A shift from the traditional physician dominated relationship to a more balanced nurse-physician collaboration is needed. In a collaborative relationship, the physician and nurse jointly assume responsibility and accountability for patient care. This paper addresses the barriers to establishing a nurse-physician collaborative practice in Ontario and how they may be overcome.