Involving Patients in Chronic Disease Teams

Introduction: Current interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) frameworks guide health professionals to work together effectively. However, none provide specific guidance on involving patients or supporting the role of patients in IPCP. This constructivist grounded theory study aimed to explore how primary healthcare professionals involve their patients with chronic conditions in IPCP.
Methods: Australian primary healthcare and related professionals participated in individual interviews. Participants were asked to describe two key examples: effective management of a chronic condition through IPCP and ineffective management where IPCP could be improved. Transcripts were inductively, thematically analysed using a constructivist approach. Patient case examples were mapped against a previously developed theoretical framework describing a spectrum of five patient roles, from those relying on health professionals for decision making, to those actively engaged in their own care, and those disengaged from IPCP care.
Results: Forty-three professionals, comprising 19 medical, five nursing, 17 allied health, one auxiliary, and one administrative staff, were interviewed, with an average of 70 minutes. Participants provided descriptions of patient cases and experiences that aligned with the previous framework’s patient roles. There are important steps that doctors, and other professionals can take to support patients to be involved in effective collaborative care. In instances where patients were disengaged from IPCP care, doctors reported initially engaging the patient directly. They emphasized the importance of establishing a strong therapeutic relationship before incorporating broader team members. Practical strategies were described to support patients and facilitate their progression along the spectrum of roles, thereby enhancing patient engagement in IPCP care.

ID 1060 in Abstract Book.