The following is a summary of “Identifying Strategies to Support Implementation of Interprofessional Primary Care Teams in Nova Scotia: Results of a Survey and Knowledge Sharing Event,” published in the May 2024 issue of Primary Care by Grant et al.
Interprofessional primary care teams (IPCTs) are pivotal in enhancing healthcare delivery, yet their effective implementation presents challenges. This study aimed to systematically identify and prioritize barriers and facilitators to IPCT implementation and co-develop targeted strategies to support their integration within Nova Scotia, Canada.
A comprehensive online survey was conducted among healthcare providers and IPCT staff, resulting in insights from 117 respondents representing various clinic roles and experiences. Key enablers identified included access to technological tools tailored to support their roles, standardized processes for utilizing them, and effective team management to facilitate collaboration. Conversely, prominent barriers included limited opportunities for daily team communication, deficient conflict resolution mechanisms, and inadequate capacity-building initiatives.
Subsequently, a virtual knowledge-sharing event convened IPCT members, administrators, and patients (n = 33), culminating in identifying five strategic interventions. These interventions encompassed a spectrum of initiatives, including optimizing patient-provider interactions, establishing regular and accessible meetings, fostering team and professional development opportunities, and encouraging participation in non-clinical activities. Through this multifaceted approach, the study endeavors to inform and enhance the successful integration of IPCTs within the primary care landscape of Nova Scotia.
Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02399-0
