Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the key characteristic of internal collaboration?

1. Working within the same organization

2. Engaging multiple external agencies

3. Forming partnerships with communities

4. Collaborating with patients directly

The correct answer is: Working within the same organization

The best description of internal collaboration is characterized by working within the same organization. This type of collaboration involves team members from various departments or units sharing information, resources, and expertise to achieve common goals and enhance the overall effectiveness of the organization. Internal collaboration is essential in healthcare settings, as it fosters communication among different disciplines, improves patient care, and streamlines processes. While engaging multiple external agencies, forming partnerships with communities, and collaborating directly with patients are all important aspects of healthcare practice, they pertain more to external collaboration. These activities often involve teamwork and coordination with outside entities, which contrasts with the core concept of internal collaboration focused on interactions and teamwork occurring within the same organizational boundaries.