Collaborative practice in a global health context: Common themes from developed and developing countries

Abstract

This paper reports on a study commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to explore common themes of collaborative practice. The WHO requested global clarification of (1) the nature of collaborative practice, (2) its perceived importance, and (3) strategies for systematizing collaborative practice throughout national health systems. While there are many interpretations of collaborative practice around the world, there was a need to ascertain common underlying themes that illustrate good practice in both developed and developing countries to inform an international Framework for Action. A multiple case study design was used to examine collaborative practice in primary health care and commonalities across countries. Staff at each of WHO's six regional offices invited key informants in one or two primary health care organizations where collaborative practice was the model of care to complete case studies. Ten case studies were received from ten different countries, representing all six WHO regions. The results are described according to the study's three areas of focus: describing collaborative practice globally, the shared importance of collaborative practice, and systematizing collaborative practice. Collaborative practice requires a strong political framework that encourages interprofessional education and teamworking. Shared governance models and enabling legislation are required. At a practical level, interprofessional health care teams function most efficiently with shared clinical pathways and a common patient record.

Keywords:

• Collaborative practice
• interprofessional education
• teamwork
• health care delivery
• case studies
• global health

Acknowledgements

Members of the World Health Organization Study Group on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice include: John H. V. Gilbert, Jean Yan and Steven J. Hoffman (Central Leadership Team); Peter G. Baker, Marilyn Hammick, Wendy Horne, Lesley Hughes, Monica Moran, Sylvia Rodger, Madeline Schmitt and Jill Thistlethwaite (Interprofessional Education Working Group); Yuichi Ishikawa, Susanne Lindqvist, Sharon Mickan, Ester Mogensen, Ratie Mpofu and Louise Nasmith (Collaborative Practice Working Group); and Hugh Barr, Vernon Curran, Denise Holmes, Debra Humphris, Lisa Hughes, Sandra MacDonald-Rencz, Jill Macleod Clark and Bev Ann Murray (System-Level Supportive Structures Working Group). Additional support was provided by Andrea Burton (strategic communications), Susanna Gilbert (graphic design), Virgie Largado-Ferri (administrative assistance), Scott Reeves (research expertise) and Brenda Sawatzky-Girling (partnerships).

A special thank you is extended to members of the Collaborative Practice Working Group for their intellectual contributions, detailed feedback and constant encouragement. All key informants who provided the case studies are also thanked for their contributions, without which, this paper would not have been possible.

Declaration of interest: The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the World Health Organization.