Today, many patients have complex health issues that need a variety of health disciplines to address their needs and health status. As such, I believe inter-professional collaboration is one effective way that can be used by health practitioners to provide proficient health care to patients. This is because as a participatory method it involves interaction between patients and health care providers with the main aim of solving social and health issues (Bridges, Davidson, Odegard, Maki&Tomkowiak, 2011). In addition, this process involves communication and knowledge sharing among team members in order to make informed decisions.
Inter-professional collaboration has various elements which include accountability, cooperation, communication, respect, trust and responsibility. When team members are aware of such elements, there would be no missed opportunities. For example, if the doctor had respect for his or her job, then there would have been no such a missed opportunity. Similarly, if each team member could be able to openly communicate on their commitment or issues affecting them, then problems could not have occurred. I also believe that reminding team members on their designated responsibility is vital in ensuring there are positive outcomes. Furthermore, I also believe that placing boards in health facilities with messages that contain the elements and importance of collaboration messages would also serve as important reminders. As a team leader, I will always ensure that the team members familiarize themselves with these messages before attending to patients.
Nursing education would also have positive impacts on patient satisfaction because it promotes better understanding through effective communication skills taught. It also provides a platform that enables health practitioners to share skills and knowledge and practice respect in the health sector. Generally, inter-professional collaboration and nursing education promotes team effectiveness aimed at providing quality patient care by blending different professional cultures.
References
Bridges, D.R., Davidson, R.A., Odegard, P.S., Maki, I.V., &Tomkowiak, J. (2011).Interprofessional collaboration: three best practice models of interprofessional education. Medical Education Online, 6.doi: 10.3402/meo.v16i0.6035