Final answer:
Interpersonal problems with other medical staff, especially between nurses and physicians, are external factors that can impact interdisciplinary collaboration on patient care plans due to different authority levels and responses to medical protocols or checklists.
Step-by-step explanation:
An external factor that can affect interdisciplinary collaboration on patients' care plans is the interpersonal problems with other medical staff, particularly between nurses and physicians. These conflicts can arise due to a variety of circumstances, such as work overload, heavy physical work, or differences in authority and responsibilities. Power dynamics in the medical setting can lead to discordance and affect how medical professionals, like doctors and nurses, react to changes such as the implementation of new protocols or checklists. This can have a significant impact on patient care and the efficiency of health services provided.
Additionally, dealing with patient concerns such as confronting death and various medical issues can place emotional strain on healthcare workers, which might further complicate collaboration if not managed properly. An understanding and management of these interpersonal challenges is crucial for the success of interdisciplinary collaboration in health care settings.