Tools to start a multidisciplinary collaboration.

Abstract

In general: Huis voor Gezondheid was one of the first organizations to start developing an instrument in 2013 to support general practitioners and pharmacists in organizing medical-pharmaceutical meetings at a local level. The instrument was developed in close collaboration with Brusano (supporting professionals in primary care) and Pharmacy Brussels (Pharmacy Association of Brussels). A few years after the development (in 2015) of this tool, the NIHDI (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance) also recognized the importance of an medical-pharmaceutical meeting. They made subsidies available to develop medical-pharmaceutical packages and to encourage GPs and pharmacists to organize meetings at a local level. The packages are bilingual (Dutch and French) and recognized by the NIHDI .
 Following on from this concept, we have recently developed a support package to improve the collaboration between general practitioners and physiotherapists . And this in close collaboration with Domus Medica (professional association for general practitioners) and AXXON (professional association for physiotherapists). Currently, the support package is only available in Dutch. In the short term, we also want a French version and we hope to receive recognition from the NIHDI. 
 These tools are a start to multidisciplinary collaboration. To be able to offer patients high-quality care, we need to look beyond our own field of expertise. Different healthcare professionals can complement each other so that a goal can be achieved together that a healthcare provider is not capable of alone.
 The purpose of these methodologies: These tools aim to encourage and improve collaboration between certain professional groups. The package(s) consist of various themes that are ready for use and can be used immediately to help organize and structure the desired multidisciplinary meeting. 
 Results: During such local meetings, the various professional groups get to know each other better and exchange experiences. In addition, they make clear agreements about how they will work together in the future. And all this in function of offering quality care to the patient.
 Next steps: Following on from these methods, Huis voor Gezondheid has now also started developing a local medical-psychological meeting for general practitioners and psychologists. And this in close collaboration with VVKP (Flemish Association of Clinical Psychologists), Domus Medica (professional association for general practitioners), the Brussels GP circle and the Brussels networks for mental health.