Question

What is the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the management of chronic and complex healthcare

Answer 1

Interdisciplinary collaboration is the term used when professionals from two or more profession works together towards a common goal. It is an important concept in problem solving and decision making in the field of health care.An advantage of collaboration in heath care is achievement of health care goals that is impossible for members of an individual profession to achieve.For example treatment goals for a Diabetic patient can be achieved only with the combined services of physician,nurse,dietitian and pharmacist. In case of chronically ill immobile patients the service of respiratory therapists,physiotherapists and social workers may also be needed. Collaborative approach helps to cover a larger population and also aids in professional development at individual and organizational levels. In the health care industry interdisciplinary collaboration is evident mainly in clinical practice,education and research. Interdisciplinary collaboration can also provides opportunity to work with professionals from different strata that can cause pooling of knowledge as well as increased ability to tackle problems.Business collaborations with other organizations provides sharing of cost and improves the financial benefits of an organization. Another landmark collaboration that bought about a revolution in health care sector is that with the IT industry. Introduction of Health Information Management system bought an ultimate solution to difficulties in storing and accessing information, maintaining patient care details, communication of health care information with multidisciplinary team and the patient and family members. In short interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of health is mutually beneficial.