Introduction: Collaboration because of the effects on the function of healthcare team is considered in many countries. Complexity, ambiguity and multi-dimensional of concept have been obstacle the proper use of it. Clarity of dimensions and characteristics of the concept is the purpose of this study.

Materials & methods: In this study the concept of collaboration was analyzed based on three phases of a hybrid concept analysis, theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis. In the theoretical phase, full texts of 273 articles in the databases were evaluated with no time limit to September 2013. 18 participants nurse were elicited in the fieldwork phase via unstructured interviews. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim then qualitative content analysis was used to analyze fieldwork phase data. In the final step of combining the two previous stages, the overall analysis was performed.

Findings: Based on review of literature, collaboration was defined. In field work stage extracted categories based on participants experiences included 1) prerequisites of collaboration 2) actualizing of collaboration and 3) achieving a common goal. In the final stage the hybrid model was presented with integration of previous stages.

Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study will help clarify the concept of collaboration in the healthcare system. This clarification can lead to offering comprehensive view and better understanding for use in the research and practice.