The project focuses on the use of interprofessional collaboration as one of the most desirable approach for treating patients specifically those with complex conditions. Although Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP) is not a new practice, it is essential to identify its efficacy by reviewing the numerous studies that have been conducted over time. Appraisal of IPCP studies will help illuminate the circumstances where it is recommended as a means of providing better care. Additionally, the project intends to highlight the various benefits associated with IPCP and the limitation as well. The project addresses medical practitioners of all fields serving as an encouragement to improve their care practices.
Problem/Need/Question
Although the use of IPCP as an approach of treatment is used in nearly all circumstances, it is evident that application to patients with severe illnesses or disabilities along with medical emergencies is most appropriate. The most significant issues that should receive particular attention include cases where patients have limited independence. For instance, those with physical and sensory development, learning disabilities, and social skills. The current state of IPCP shows its extensive use in acute care environments. However, expanding this use to nearly all areas of medical care greatly improve chances of providing ultimate care. Some of the changes expected include clear role identification among the different professionals, show of respect to one another, and improved patient education.
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Knowledge/Research
Recent studies have shown that the implementation of the IPCP approach to patient care is not restricted to specific circumstances. Sylvester, Ogletree, and Lunnen (2017) have described its effective use in cases where patient health condition limits their independence. Another research showed the involvement of nurses, physicians, and speech therapists in acute care environments helps improve knowledge on patient care (Loy et al., 2015). Kurklinsky and cohort (2016) also investigated the implementation of IPCP in the management of chronic pain in different care setting. The above studies are a clear indicator that the model approach to patient care is effective, but does not have to be used only on specific conditions or circumstances. There are multiple investigations that show improved efficiency and efficacy among medical practitioners who work together to achieving a common goal. The collaboration of different health workers in the above settings have helped lessen the burden in cases where the professional would have worked individually. The approach to medical care also provides the professionals with an added advantage of helping the patient achieve optimum health depending on the condition.
Description of Project
The research project will begin by reviewing the numerous studies that discuss, investigate, and report on Interprofessional Collaborative Practice. Thereafter, a critical selection of studies that have been conducted in the last ten years will be done to provide the most updated information possible. The project will then focus on recording the different areas where the approach to patient care is used and identifying how these practices have helped in the medical health sector. The research also looks into the overall outcomes observed in the implementation of the practice respective of the various departments it is used in. One of the most important aspects of the project was to highlight the advantages and limitations of the IPCP approach to care and treatment of patients. While there were a number of obstacles in conducting the project, they were minimal. For instance, time factor was an issue as the search for studies that have covered the topic led to thousands of results making it almost difficult to find the most suitable choices. It was also evident that majority of the papers focused more on the advantages of the IPCP approach making it slightly difficult to find the limitations.
Results/Outcomes
The research project led to the realization that IPCP in patient care should not be restricted to just a few medical condition or departments in the provision of care. Its benefits are clearly wholesome as the use not only helps the patient and their families, but also improves the skills and knowledge of the practitioners. The approach model of care should be used in all areas of treatment and care of the patients. There are multiple positive outcomes including reduced hospital stay which may be associated with higher rate of recovery, improved skills and knowledge of providing care in the respective settings, and patient education evident leading to the development of a community that is actively independent in maintaining good health. However, there are numerous limitations including negative patient outcomes where coordination between the experts is wanting, rise of conflicts between medical professionals especially in role identification, and lack of autonomy may have a significant impact on provision of care. The project brought to light the importance of the practice in the care of the patient. The process of care and the overall outcome is generally positive hence the need to encourage more professionals to buy into the idea.
Conclusion
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice is an approach model towards the provision of care where medical workers demonstrate their professional values when working together. Although many may believe that the practice is suited for addressing complex conditions, research has shown that it is effective in the all areas of medical care. The collaborative effort between the practitioners will help bring about positive outcomes for the patients. More professionals should be encouraged to embrace the practice and work together in developing more appropriate coordinating measures while clearly identifying their respective roles in each task.
References
Bainbridge, L., Nasmith, L., Orchard, C., & Wood, V. (2010). Competencies for interprofessional collaboration. Journal of Physical Therapy Education , 24 (1), 6-11.
Green, B. N., & Johnson, C. D. (2015). Interprofessional collaboration in research, education, and clinical practice: working together for a better future. Journal of Chiropractic Education , 29 (1), 1-10.
Kurklinsky, S., Perez, R. B., Lacayo, E. R., & Sletten, C. D. (2016). The efficacy of interdisciplinary rehabilitation for improving function in people with chronic pain. Pain Research and Treatment , 2016 .
Loy, B., Micheff, H., Nguyen, K., & O'Brien, V. (2015). Interprofessional collaboration between occupational therapists and nurses in an acute care setting: an exploratory study.
Peiris, C., Taylor, N., & Shields, N. (2011). Extra physical therapy reduced patient length of stay and improves functional outcomes and quality of life in people with acute or subacute conditions: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 92 , 1490-1500.
Sylvester, L., Ogletree, B. T., & Lunnen, K. (2017). Cotreatment as a vehicle for interprofessional collaborative practice: Physical therapists and speech-language pathologists collaborating in the care of children with severe disabilities. American journal of speech-language pathology , 26 (2), 206-216.
