How Interprofessional Collaboration Contributes to Optimal Clinical Outcomes

Change Strategy and Implementation: Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Program

The professional environment of interest concerns the need for improved interprofessional collaborative practices in a tertiary health care facility that routinely treats patients with Type II diabetes mellitus, high glucose levels, and acute renal failure, conditions that can be life-threatening without proper medical care (Li et al., 2020). A growing body of research supports greater interprofessional collaboration because it is an evidence-based approach that promotes accurate and timely diagnoses as well as improved clinical outcomes (Buttaro et al., 2019). In this regard, Nagelkerk et al. (2018) emphasize that, “Complex, multifaceted medical problems, such as diabetes, often require management from multiple health care professions” (p. 4).

Indeed, Nagelkerk and her associates (2018) note that individuals suffering from diabetes have twice the risk of death compared to their counterparts in all demographic groups, underscoring the essentiality of interprofessional collaboration in formulating optimal interventions. The multiple objectives of the Nagelkerk et al. (2018) study included two on-point research questions: 1) does the implementation of an interprofessional collaborative program in improve diabetic patient health outcomes?; and, 2) does implementation of an interprofessional collaborative practice program increase staff and patient satisfaction? As shown in Table 1 below, implementing an interprofessional collaborative practice intervention was proven effective in providing statistically significant improvements in diabetes patients’ HgbA1c, blood glucose, ratio (Total/HDL) and triglyceride levels (Nagelkerk et al., 2018).

Table 1

Pre- and post-intervention clinical indicators of high-risk diabetes patients

Category

Pre

Post

Diff

A1C

Glucose

Total/HDL

Triglyceride

Source: Excerpted from Nagelkerk et al. (2018)

As can be readily discerned from the comparison of pre- and post-intervention implementation of an interprofessional collaborative practice program shown in Table 1 above, healthcare practitioners of all disciplines can make substantive contributions to patient and peer well-being if they are provided the opportunity.

The envisioned change strategy will implement an interprofessional collaborative practice intervention similar to the successful approach used by Nagelkerk et al. (2018) that includes education, daily “huddles” of team members, patient visits by team members, case presentations, and opportunities to reconcile medication issues through improved communication. This strategy has proven effective in improving the above-stated clinical outcomes for higher-risk patients with diabetes as well as contributing to higher levels of patient and staff satisfaction Nagelkerk et al., 2018).

Fortunately, implementing this type of intervention does not require a significant amount of financial resources, but it does require staff participation which demands top-down support from medical center directors as well as nursing leaders who are on the front lines of patient care delivery (Fleming & Willgerodt, 2017). In addition, implementing this intervention will also require coordination of participating staff members’ time to ensure their availability for the daily “huddles” which are an integral part of the collaborative strategy. In this regard, Nagelkerk et al. (2018) emphasize that, “An important tool for creating a sense of team was the implementation of consistent daily huddles. Staff and providers appreciated the opportunity to address patient challenges” (p. 11).

In addition, an interprofessional collaborative practice program also plays an important role in addressing the Quadruple Aim by fostering teamwork and coordination among healthcare professionals. By bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other allied health workers, the program aims to improve population health through comprehensive and well-coordinated care. This collaborative approach enhances the patient experience by ensuring that individuals receive integrated and holistic care that addresses their unique needs. The program also contributes to cost reduction by promoting efficient resource utilization and avoiding duplication of services through effective communication and shared decision-making.

Moreover, an interprofessional collaborative practice program recognizes the significance of provider well-being as a core element of the Quadruple Aim. By emphasizing teamwork, mutual respect, and open communication, the program seeks to create a positive work environment, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction among healthcare professionals. This, in turn, contributes to the overall well-being of providers, fostering a healthier and more sustainable workforce. Taken together, the proposed interprofessional collaborative practice program aligns with the Quadruple Aim, addressing the interconnected goals of improving population health, enhancing the patient experience, reducing costs, and promoting the well-being of healthcare providers. Finally, this effectiveness of this intervention will be measured through periodic comparison of clinical indicators with pre-intervention benchmarks.