Abstract
BackgroundDespite being identified as a solution to the challenges related to healthcare service delivery, the incorporation of interprofessional practice (IPP) into clinical practice has been limited. To implement an interprofessional model of healthcare, successfully, health professionals need to have an understanding of IPP and its related content.AimThe aim of this study was to explore and describe the health professionals’ perceptions, attitudes and understanding of IPP at a selected community health centre.SettingThis study was conducted at a primary healthcare facility in the Western Cape, South Africa.MethodsEthical clearance and permission to conduct the study was obtained from all relevant stakeholders. Four focus group discussions were conducted with health professionals at the facility. Themes, codes and categories were highlighted from the transcripts of the audiotape-recorded data.FindingsThe findings suggest that health professionals do not have an understanding of IPP, and are thus unable to apply it practically. The health professionals perceived certain healthcare processes in the facility as barriers to the integration of practices. In addition, the health professionals expressed the need for interprofessional relationships, creation of opportunities for IPP, and communication to transform the current practice.ConclusionTo implement IPP into this facility, effectively, the authors of this study recommend that facility management implement campaigns for and training on, the transition to IPP, staff induction programmes and regular meetings.
Highlights
A primary health care (PHC) workforce requires a wide range of experts from various sectors to work together to respond to population health needs.[1]
To ensure preparedness for Interprofessional practice (IPP), adequate in-service training is required for health professionals.[1]
The incorporation of IPP into clinical practice requires the creation of opportunities, where health professionals could develop skills and knowledge for effective collaboration
Summary
A primary health care (PHC) workforce requires a wide range of experts from various sectors to work together to respond to population health needs.[1]. To ensure preparedness for IPP, adequate in-service training is required for health professionals.[1] the incorporation of IPP into clinical practice requires the creation of opportunities, where health professionals could develop skills and knowledge for effective collaboration. Interprofessional education (IPE) has been defined as a learning approach, which allows professionals to learn with, from, and about each other to improve collaboration.[3] In addition, the WHO highlighted that IPE in health improved patient outcomes.[3] Within this learning approach, the skills, knowledge and values required to collaborate with other health professionals in practice are developed and enhanced.[4] Various strategies are used to implement IPE, as well as IPP, and focuses on one, or more of the interprofessional core competencies. To implement an interprofessional model of healthcare, successfully, health professionals need to have an understanding of IPP and its related content
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