Pharmacy Corner
RESOURCES FOR PHARMACY

06/06/2008

The Benefits of Collaborative Care

Study highlights the benefits of collaborative care found at five Canadian health-care organizations.

A recent study conducted at five health care organizations across Canada proves the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration. It is the final report produced by the Enhancing Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Primary Health Care (EICP) Initiative. The study examined health care professionals in their pursuits to work together in the most effective and efficient way in order to produce the best health outcomes for their patients. The institutions observed include Dr.Charles L. LeGrow Health Care Centre (Newfoundland), Mid-Main Community Health Centre (British Columbia), Nor’West Co-op Community Health Centre (Manitoba), Rosedale Medical Group (Ontario), and Taber Associate Medical Centre (Alberta).

The key finding was that interdisciplinary collaboration is a flexible, multi-facetted, and effective method of delivering health care. There is no single right way to practice interdisciplinary collaboration. Each institution practicing collaborative care had adopted its own way of integrating a variety of health care professionals. At Nor’West the team was led by social workers and was the only site to include a lawyer. Lethbridge differed in its inclusion of a part-time newly graduated psychologist. Comparatively, Charles LeGow’s team included an occupational therapist and a speech-language pathologist. Mid-Main and Rosedale were unique, granting pharmacists important roles in the team.

The authors found that staff at these organizations tended to be open and honest, and they pursued consensus whenever possible. These five organizations were united in the value they placed on patient care as a paramount concern. Surprisingly, the successes achieved as a result of collaborative care were accomplished for the most part without formal training. In fact, much of what existed was informal (e.g., lunch and learns). This informal atmosphere may be related to the low staff turnover at these organizations. Health professionals support collaborative care, and believe that it gives them a better work-life balance. Moreover, they noted that it promotes efficiency and is a more effective way of delivering care.

Finally, the authors deemed leadership (clinical and administrative) as key to the success of collaborative care. Interestingly they found that it did not really matter who assumed leadership, as long as it existed. They also found that the organizations themselves were leaders, continually seeking new partnerships, adopting innovative approaches to better serve their clients/patients, and were constantly learning from other health professionals and organizations.

To learn more about the benefits inherent in collaborative care the full study can be found at www.eicp.ca.