The effects of emotional and cultural intelligence of employees on interprofessional collaboration in the international patient health services

Aim: It is to investigate whether the emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence of employees from different professions have an impact on interprofessional collaboration in the international patient health services. In addition, it is also examined whether there is a difference in terms of emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence according to the positions of the hospital staff. Materials and Method: The research covers the employees of seven private hospitals in Istanbul and Kocaeli, which serve international patients as well as local patients. A total of 3 questionnaires, which aimed to measure emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence and interprofessional collaboration, were applied to 550 hospital staff. Results: "Use of emotion" has a significant and positive effect on interprofessional collaboration. In "emotion regulation", there are significant differences between nurses and international patient services staff, administrative services staff, and support services staff. Other than behavioral cultural intelligence, there are significant differences between international patient services staff and other professional groups except physicians in sub-dimensions of cultural intelligence. In terms of some socio-demographic data, there are significant differences in emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence and their sub-dimensions. Conclusion: This research revealed that emotional intelligence is more important than cultural intelligence in terms of interprofessional collaboration in international patient health services. In addition, this research is the first in the literature, as it reveals the differences between professional groups in international patient health services in terms of emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence. Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Intelligence, Interprofessional Collaboration, Medical Tourism, Health Tourism