RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Difficulties Encountered in Collaborative Care: Logistics Trumps Desire
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP 168
OP 176
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2012.02.110153
VO 25
IS 2
A1 Legault, Frances
A1 Humbert, Jennie
A1 Amos, Stephanie
A1 Hogg, William
A1 Ward, Natalie
A1 Dahrouge, Simone
A1 Ziebell, Laura
YR 2012
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/25/2/168.abstract
AB Introduction: This study examines the development of collaborative relationships between family physicians (FPs) and Anticipatory And Preventative Team Care (APTCare) team members providing care to medically complex patients who have been identified as at-risk for negative health outcomes. Methods: We undertook a qualitative study of a primary health care intervention in a family practice. Interviews were held with FPs and ATPCare intervention nurse practitioners (NPs) and pharmacists. Focus groups were conducted and a survey was administered to participating FPs, NPs, and pharmacists. NPs and pharmacists maintained a log recording their tasks and moments of collaboration. Results: Scheduling demands rendered face-to-face collaboration difficult, leaving the team to rely on technological tools to keep in touch. Limited space meant the APTCare team had to work out of a downstairs office, limiting informal interactions with the practitioners on the main level. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the difficulties inherent in collaborative care are independent of the patient population being cared for. Regardless of the patient population and sector of health care, developing collaborative relationships and learning to work collaboratively is difficult and takes time. What many of these teams need is ongoing support and education about how to make these collaborative care practices work.