Why Collaborative Practice?
The Health Care System in Ontario is currently challenged by the complex needs of patients, issues of accessibility and timeliness, and limited resources (human, financial). Just like the ants in this picture, it makes sense that when health care providers work together as a team, these challenges can be addressed.
Recent studies and reports indicate a growing consensus that interprofessional collaborative patient-centered practice, across all health sectors and along the continuum of care, contributes to:
- improved population health / patient care;
- improved access to health care;
- improved recruitment and retention of health care providers;
- improved patient safety and communication among health care providers;
- more efficient and effective employment of health human resources; and
- improved satisfaction among patients and health care providers.
(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/hhr-rhs/strateg/interprof/index-eng.php)
The HealthForceOntario document Interprofessional Care: A Blueprint for Action in Ontario, supports a collaborative, team-based approach to care as “an enabler for improving patient care and meeting the demands that the system is facing”.
Reflection: Take a few minutes to think about the benefits collaborative practice may have for your team.