What is
interprofessionalism?Interprofessionalism in health care
is a process by which professionals from different disciplines collaborate to
provide an integrated and cohesive approach to patient care
The main
goal of an interprofessional team is to optimize a patient’s general health
outcome. The telehealth-connected interprofessional health care team shared the
same goal: they saw that people with special need’s oral health are mostly
neglected and they decided to address this problem by creating Virtual Dental
Homes (VDH). The VDH system, developed by the
Pacific Center for Special Care at the University of the Pacific Arthur A.
Dugoni School of Dentistry (Pacific), brings prevention and early intervention
oral health services to underserved groups of children and adults. The VDH is a state policy that promotes a
well-coordinated approach by using all the available resources in a specific
area. This increased the number of patients receiving special care, without
expensive infrastructure.
As the article stated, “this implies the need for training and the
ability to function in interprofessional health care teams and get
consultations from and work with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other
general and social service professionals.” All of these health care
professionals understand the social context. They know how to work with
community living facilities, social service agencies and advocacy organizations
operating in their community. Caregivers also assist the patients by reminding
them of their needed procedures or offering physical assistance. These
patients’ healths are usually treated when it becomes severe, while the
telehealth-connected interprofessional health care team addresses minor problems
as part of prevention.
A 2006 study aimed at changing oral health behaviours of
caregivers of people with disabilities demonstrated that caregiver knowledge
about preventive procedures was improved after training. They incorporated new
techniques into daily routines after a dental assistant observed the prevention
session in the residential environment and provided hands-on, real time
coaching for the caregiver.
Another
factor that leads to the success of the VDH program is the fact that they
implemented a well-functioning communication. They realized the importance of
communication, not just among themselves as different professionals from
different professions, but also between the caregiver and patient. Most people
fear dentists and this prevents them from receiving proper education about
basic oral health. This team decided to address this issue with motivational
interviewing, which lead to positive behavior changes in the patients. Social
service agencies and advocacy organisations in the community contribute to the
success of interprofessional teams as well.
Although oral health professionals do not need to have complete
knowledge about every general health condition that their patients present
with, it is essential that they have the knowledge and experience to know what
information is needed, and the ability to gather and apply that information to
provide appropriate services. They share a common goal, started with the same
vision and work together towards that goal- to deliver adequate services to
all, especially the most underserved groups.
From what is stated above, one can see that by the
collaboration and teamwork of health professionals from different backgrounds
can immensely improve health outcomes of not just patients, but families and communities
as well. Not only do those seeking health care benefit but so do the health
care professionals themselves by learning and experiencing new things while
still aiding people in their times of need. IPC is a key factor in the success
of the health sector and it should continue to be used to allow both
professionals and communities to grow and flourish.
Reference
List
Govette, J., 2018. referral MD. [Online]
Available at: https://getreferralmd.com/2013/12/medical-staff-collaborate-efficiently/
[Accessed 16 April 2018].
Available at: https://getreferralmd.com/2013/12/medical-staff-collaborate-efficiently/
[Accessed 16 April 2018].
