Mapping the evidence on seniority in health care interprofessional collaboration: A scoping review

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration is essential for effective health care delivery, yet it is often shaped by hierarchy, authority gradients, and unequal professional relationships. Seniority is a relevant but insufficiently synthesized factor influencing collaboration across health professions. This scoping review mapped evidence on seniority in health care interprofessional collaboration and examined how seniority has been conceptualized across professional and organizational contexts. The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest. Of 759 records identified, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a structured charting form and analyzed through descriptive and narrative synthesis. Findings showed that seniority was reflected in five forms: hierarchical position, years of experience, senior–junior relational dynamics, power differentials, and professional dominance. Seniority was reported to be associated with communication, participation in decision-making, trust, psychological safety, and collaborative functioning. Seniority may become a barrier to equitable collaboration when linked to hierarchy, power differentials, or professional dominance. Future research should clarify the concept of seniority and evaluate strategies to reduce hierarchy-related barriers in collaborative practice.