Interprofessional practice is a collaborative approach to healthcare delivery that involves multiple healthcare professionals working together to address patient health issues and improve patient outcomes. It recognizes that a team-based approach is more effective than individual efforts in managing complex healthcare needs. In order to promote interprofessional practice, the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) has established guidelines and initiatives to advance interprofessional education and foster collaborative relationships among healthcare professionals.
Interprofessional practice offers several benefits for patients. By working together, healthcare professionals are able to share their expertise, perspectives, and resources to provide comprehensive and holistic care. This collaborative approach ensures that no aspect of patient care is overlooked and that all healthcare needs are addressed. It also allows for better coordination and communication among healthcare providers, minimizing the risk of errors and improving patient safety. Moreover, interprofessional practice promotes patient-centered care, as it focuses on the individual needs and preferences of patients, rather than the preferences and priorities of individual professionals.
Despite the benefits of interprofessional practice, there are barriers that can hinder its effective implementation. These barriers include professional boundaries and hierarchies, lack of understanding and appreciation of other professions’ roles and contributions, inadequate communication and collaboration skills, and organizational structures that do not support interdisciplinary teamwork. These barriers must be recognized and addressed in order to create a culture and environment that encourages and facilitates interprofessional collaboration.
As a member of a professional nursing organization, the American Nurses Association (ANA), I am familiar with their position on interprofessional practice. The ANA recognizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration in improving patient outcomes and delivering high-quality care. They advocate for a team approach to healthcare delivery, where nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, patients, and families to provide safe and effective care. The ANA emphasizes the need for effective communication, shared decision-making, and mutual respect among healthcare professionals to promote interprofessional practice.
In managing Ms. Tuckerno’s care, the best collaborative approach would be to include all relevant healthcare professionals in a team-based approach. This would involve the nurse practitioner, internist, and potentially other specialists or healthcare providers involved in her care, such as the pharmacist, ophthalmologist, and endocrinologist. Each professional would contribute their expertise and perspectives to develop a comprehensive and individualized care plan for Ms. Tuckerno.
First, a collaborative team meeting should be held to discuss Ms. Tuckerno’s current condition, medications, and treatment plan. This would allow the healthcare professionals to share their knowledge and insights, and to address any concerns or discrepancies in her care. The nurse practitioner can explain her rationale for discontinuing some medications and medical cannabis, and the internist can provide their perspective on the patient’s overall care.
The team should then review the patient’s complete medical history, including any test results, imaging studies, and previous treatment plans. They should also consider the patient’s preferences, goals, and values when developing a new treatment plan. This would involve adjusting medications, monitoring the patient’s symptoms and response to treatment, and potentially involving other specialists for further evaluation or management.
Effective communication and collaboration among the healthcare professionals are crucial in this collaborative approach. Regular meetings, discussions, and electronic communications can facilitate the sharing of information and decision-making. Additionally, clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations should be established to ensure that everyone understands their contributions to the patient’s care.
In conclusion, interprofessional practice is essential for promoting effective and collaborative healthcare delivery. It requires healthcare professionals to recognize the benefits of teamwork and to address the barriers that may hinder its implementation. By working together, healthcare professionals can provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, ensuring better patient outcomes. In managing Ms. Tuckerno’s care, a collaborative team approach involving all relevant healthcare professionals would be the best approach, allowing for a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan.
