Perceptions and influencing factors of interprofessional collaboration in final-year health science students.

Interprofessional education (IPE) is vital for preparing a competent health workforce. Despite the proven benefits of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), barriers to its implementation persist. Given the importance of health professionals' perspectives for IPCP success, we investigated the perceptions of IPCP among final-year health science students at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, while they transition into practice. A cross-sectional online survey conducted from February to April 2023 included 989 students across six health science disciplines, with a response rate of 57.8%. Using the SPICE-R2 questionnaire on a five-point Likert-type scale, we assessed perceptions related to interprofessional teamwork, roles and responsibilities, and patient outcomes. Results showed significant diversity in IPCP perceptions and experiences with IPE. Nursing students consistently demonstrated the highest IPCP perceptions, while medical and public health students scored the lowest. Positive perceptions about IPCP were notably associated with nursing students and those satisfied with the learning process. Dentistry students and those with IPE experience also exhibited more favorable views on teamwork. This study suggests the need to address disparities in IPCP perceptions among student groups, which is essential for enhancing interprofessional collaboration in future health professionals.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONISTS' ATTITUDES OF INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE TEAMS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY.

BACKGROUND: Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are important members of interprofessional (IP) healthcare teams; yet, there is limited research of RDN perspectives of IP teams. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between the characteristics of RDNs and their attitudes of team-based care (TBC). DESIGN: A cross-sectional electronic Qualtrics survey encompassing demographic questions, the Attitudes Toward Interdisciplinary Healthcare Teams scale (ATIHCT), and additional interprofessional-related items was distributed to RDNs in January 2020. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: 5,018 RDNs from various regions/specialties in the United States were recruited primarily via direct email from a random list of RDNs obtained through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The final sample was n = 616; 12.3% of RDNs; 88.1% of RDNs who initiated the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ATIHCT subscale scores, which measure attitudes regarding (1) efficiency of TBC; (2) service quality of TBC. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multiple linear regression modeled area of specialty, time with RDN credential, location, gender, frequency of TBC, and how valued the RDN perceived themselves to be as independent variables, with ATIHCT subscales as outcome variables. Data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis to determine appropriate use of the ATIHCT in the sample. RESULTS: Food service (ß = -1.48, p = 0.004) and sports nutrition RDNs (ß = -2.58, p = 0.014) had lower scores for attitudes regarding efficiency of TBC (subscale 1) than clinical RDNs. Greater perceived value of the RDN was associated with higher scores for attitudes regarding efficiency (ß = 0.66, p < .001). Greater perceived value of the RDN (ß = 0.13, p = 0.03) was associated with higher scores for attitudes regarding service quality of TBC (subscale 2). CONCLUSIONS: Specialty and perceived RDN value are associated with more favorable IP attitudes among RDNs. To support positive attitudes regarding IP collaboration, efforts should be honed to foster appreciation and clarity of the RDN's role in TBC.

The Bright Ideas TBI Camp: fostering innovation in interprofessional education and collaborative practice for traumatic brain injury by students in rehabilitation professions.

This report describes an innovative interprofessional education collaborative practice (IPCP) experience for rehabilitation professions students using a unique on-campus camp model through a community-academic partnership. Throughout the three-day camp, known as the Bright Ideas TBI Camp, interprofessional student groups deliver tailored health and wellness services to individuals with disabilities due to traumatic brain injury and their caregivers. Initial program evaluation suggests that this camp model offers an effective IPCP experience for students while addressing community health needs. Further outcome evaluation is needed to determine the impact of the camp on students' development of IPCP competencies and health outcomes of clients and caregivers.

Nurse-led World Café approach in promoting interprofessional collaborative behaviors and learning engagement among healthcare professionals.

Effective interprofessional collaboration practice (IPCP) promotes healthcare outcomes but is often hindered by poor communication. Traditional teaching methods with limited interdisciplinary interactions may not effectively foster IPCP behaviors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nurse-led World Cafe (NWC) approach in promoting IPCP behaviors and learning engagement. Seventy-six healthcare professionals (38 in each group) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Data were collected before, one-week, and four-week post-intervention, using Lee's (2016) Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Behavior Inventory (IPCPBI) and Ciou's (2020) Learning Engagement Scale. Five medical technologists in the control group were excluded from data analysis to ensure group equivalence. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in IPCPBI between groups. One week post-intervention, the experimental group scored higher in IPCPBI, yet lacked statistical significance (p > .05). Four weeks post-intervention, the experimental group significantly improved in IPCPBI (p < .05). While no statistically significance was found in learning engagement between groups, the experimental group scored significantly higher in the active engagement sub-domain (p < .05). The NWC approach boosted IPCP behaviors and learning engagement, fostering a collaborative learning environment that improves outcomes through interdisciplinary interactions. Healthcare settings could benefit from adopting the NWC approach to enhance clinicians' IPCP competency.

Cost-effectiveness in an interprofessional training ward within a university department for internal medicine: a monocentric open-label controlled study of the A-STAR Regensburg.

Introduction: Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare involves diverse professionals working together to address complex patient needs. Interprofessional training wards offer workplace-based interprofessional education in real healthcare settings, fostering collaborative learning among students. While their educational value is widely recognized, debates persist regarding their cost-effectiveness due to limited research. This study assesses the cost efficiency of the interprofessional training ward Regensburg (A-STAR) within the Department of Internal Medicine I at the University Hospital Regensburg, compared to conventional wards. Methods: From October 2019 to December 2022, 7,244 patient cases were assigned to A-STAR or conventional wards by case managers, with a comprehensive analysis of all associated revenues and costs. Results: A-STAR treated 1,482 patients, whereas conventional wards treated 5,752 patients, with more males and younger patients at A-STAR. A-STAR achieved higher profit per case (€1,508.74) attributed to increased revenues and reduced material costs. It generated an average of €1,366.54 more Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) revenue per case annually than conventional wards, due to greater medical complexity reflected in a higher case-mix index (CMI: 2.4 vs. 2.2). The increased case complexity led to longer patient stays (9.0 vs. 8.1 days) and fewer cases treated annually at A-STAR (27.4 cases/year vs. 37.8 cases/year). The higher CMI did not result in a higher proportion of patients requiring isolation. A-STAR exhibited a higher capacity utilization rate (87.1% vs. 83.9%). Personnel costs per case at A-STAR were initially elevated due to enhanced observation by the senior physician but were gradually mitigated by expanding A-STAR's bed capacity. Material costs were consistently lower on a per-case basis at A-STAR (€1512.02 vs. €1577.12), particularly in terms of medication expenses, indicating more resource-efficient operations. From the A-STAR graduates, 18 individuals were recruited for permanent positions as doctors or nurses over 2 years. Conclusion: A-STAR demonstrates economic efficiency and stability even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The substantial personnel acquisition is likely influenced by high levels of satisfaction with education and work and is economically relevant in medical staff shortages. These findings provide a compelling rationale for the broader implementation of interprofessional training wards, establishing them as vital platforms for nurturing future professionals.

Clinician experience of being interprofessional: an interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Clinicians are increasingly required to work and learn interprofessionally, yet few studies explore the nature of being interprofessional. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of clinicians who identify as interprofessional or have an interprofessional identity. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was applied as a qualitative research approach and analytical method. Fifteen key informants from a range of professions, settings, and roles were recruited via purposive sampling. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews, observation of participants' day-to-day practice, and review of organizational documents, and analyzed using IPA. Six interdependent Group Experiential Themes were developed: (i) The power of person-centered holistic care, (ii) Learning and growth through curiosity, reflection, and willingness to be vulnerable, (iii) Welcomes, values, and empowers all others, (iv) Trust and mutual respect through belonging and connection, (v) The contribution of background and previous experiences, and (vi) The influence of workplace context. Each Group Experiential Theme had between two and nine sub-themes. Results support the value of understanding and making explicit the concepts that comprise clinician interprofessional identity. The findings can be used to support clinicians, educators, leaders, and policy makers to develop and sustain interprofessional identity, and subsequently cultivate a culture of interprofessional collaborative practice. Future research is needed to further explore the themes, investigate their inter-relationships, and present the concepts that comprise clinician interprofessional identity in a way that is accessible to healthcare professionals and facilitates their integration into practice.

The Interprofessional Standardized Patient Experience: An Effective Interprofessional Education Activity for Prelicensure Health Professional Students.

Introduction: For future success in the modern health care environment, health professions students require effective interprofessional education experiences to develop their perceptions of other professionals on the health care team. The Interprofessional Standardized Patient Experience (ISPE) is an interprofessional education activity for prelicensure health professional students in nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, medicine, social work, and occupational therapy. Methods: The ISPE involved collaboration among students to conduct a subjective interview. Students from six health care professions individually interviewed a simulated patient while being observed by students from other professions. A structured faculty-guided debriefing session followed the comprehensive interview process. Students completed a voluntary pre- and post-ISPE survey with interprofessional questions and feedback on the activity. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze individual responses. Differences in student opinions by student profession and by the number of professions present were examined using chi-square tests. Results: Over 4 consecutive academic years, 1,265 students completed the ISPE, and 1,028 completed the pre- and post-ISPE surveys. Analysis of the survey responses indicated that the ISPE enhanced student awareness of the functions of an interprofessional team and increased student knowledge of the roles of different health care professions. Students rated the ISPE as a valuable experience. Differences were noted in some of the measures by profession and group size. Discussion: A single ISPE had a significant impact on prelicensure students' perceptions. The ISPE is a novel and effective approach to interprofessional education that students appreciate.

Advancing Oral Health Equity through Medical-Dental Integration: Dental hygienists as catalysts for change in an evolving health care system.

This report explores the changing landscape of oral health care delivery in the United States, highlighting the evolving role of dental hygienists. The 2021 National Institutes of Health report "Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges" has become a key milestone in addressing oral health inequities, acknowledging the important role that dental hygienists could play in expanding innovative care models, and promoting medical-dental integration (MDI). The Rainbow Model of Integrated Care offers a framework to examine facilitators of MDI care models, revealing supportive policies, interprofessional collaborative practice, incremental change, and local leadership as some of the crucial components needed for success. Dental hygienists emerge as catalysts for change, as such, the overarching aim of this report is to contribute to the broader conversation about optimizing oral health care accessibility through integrated care models led by dental hygienists.

Integrating Community Care for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes.

Introduction: This paper describes 'Project 8', a campaign that aims to reduce glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) to 8% or more among patients with diabetes mellitus, utilising healthcare professionals and local community residents and focusing on education and support. The study is based in Uonuma-a small rural city in Japan with a declining population and an increased number of older people. Description: 'Project 8' began in Uonuma's Koide Hospital in 2008. The Uonuma School for Community Health and Social Care was established in 2011 with the cooperation of a clinic's general practitioner. Medical students, trainees, doctors, and health care professionals have been holding 'open schools' (daytime lectures) and 'night schools' (evening lectures) to educate the community residents about various health issues. Through repeated lectures, the residents have been made aware of lifestyle-related diseases, including diabetes, and the meaning of 'Project 8'. Discussion: Over the last decade, the hospital's campaign has expanded within the community, showing a statistically significant reduction of diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥ 8%, which successfully deferred the start of dialysis for many of them. Conclusion: Well-integrated community care requires interprofessional education, collaborative practice, and the participation of community residents in health education.

Towards a pedagogy for noticing: Piloting a novel intervention for health professions students.

Teaching students to 'notice' what is happening around them, to be more attuned to what is going on within themselves, and nurturing self-inquiry into one's practice is desirable yet difficult to achieve. We sought to teach the metacognitive skill of 'noticing' to pre-registration health professions students in the context of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP). A three-part curriculum was designed: an e-module focused on 'noticing' in IPCP; a team-based workplace learning observation and interprofessional debrief; and a written reflective assignment. We found that students concentrated on the disciplinary content of IPCP in the assignments, which 'overshadowed' the metacognitive content. We learned that: we had underestimated the challenges of retrofitting new content into existing curricula; that we had not paid enough attention to students' perceptions about what they want to learn; and working with a large and diverse group of educators requires adequate preparation. The next iteration of this program will improve the constructive alignment between learning outcomes and assessments and provide better support for educators. In the future we will temper decisions to act quickly to implement curricular innovations. More broadly, we suggest that educational design that seeks to take account of qualitatively different but intersecting knowledge domains, such as IPCP and 'noticing', is worthy of further study.

Development and Validation of the Interprofessional Collaboration Practice Competency Scale (IPCPCS) for Clinical Nurses.

Interprofessional collaborative practice is a core competency and is the key to strengthening health practice systems in order to deliver safe and high-quality nursing practice. However, there is no Interprofessional Collaboration Practice Competency Scale (IPCPCS) for clinical nurses in Taiwan. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to develop an IPCPCS and to verify its reliability and validity. This was a psychometric study with a cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling to recruit nurses from the seven hospitals of a medical foundation. A self-designed structured IPCPCS was rolled out via a Google survey. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, principal-axis factoring (PAF) with Promax rotation, Pearson correlation, reliability analysis, and one-way ANOVA. PAF analysis found that three factors could explain 77.76% of cumulative variance. These were collaborative leadership and interprofessional conflict resolution, interprofessional communication and team functioning, and role clarification and client-centered care. The internal consistency of the three factors (Cronbach's α) was between 0.970 to 0.978, and the Pearson correlation coefficients were between 0.814 to 0.883. Significant differences were presented in the IPCPCS score by age, education level, total years of work experience, position on the nursing clinical ladder, and participation in interprofessional education. In conclusion, the three factors used in the IPCPCS have good reliability and construct validity. This scale can be used as an evaluation tool of in-service interprofessional education courses for clinical nurses.

Relationship between interprofessional collaboration and psychological distress experienced by healthcare professionals during COVID-19: a monocentric cross-sectional study.

Background: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, global healthcare systems have faced unprecedented challenges, leading to significant psychological distress among healthcare professionals. Recognizing the importance of enhanced interprofessional collaboration in alleviating this burden, as emphasized by the World Health Organization in 2020, we investigated whether such collaboration could mitigate staff psychological distress during crises. To our knowledge, no study has yet explored the role of interprofessional collaboration as a resilience factor in crises. Methods: For this monocentric cross-sectional study at a German university hospital, we examined the relationship between the quality of interprofessional collaboration and the psychological distress of healthcare professionals during the initial pandemic wave. We employed validated mental health instruments, such as the GAD-7 and PHQ-2, to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms. Additionally, custom-designed questionnaires evaluated "Pandemic-Associated Burden and Anxiety (PAB; PAA)" and interprofessional crisis management experiences. A novel "Interprofessional collaboration and communication (IPC)" assessment tool was developed based on international competency frameworks, demonstrating strong reliability. Results: The study involved 299 healthcare professionals (78.6% in direct contact with COVID-19 patients). Moderate levels of PAB/PAA were reported. However, a significant proportion experienced clinically relevant anxiety, as indicated by GAD-7. Negative IPC perceptions correlated with higher levels of psychological distress. Linear regression analysis showed associations between interprofessional collaboration and anxious and depressive symptoms, and pandemic-related burden. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the vital role of enhanced interprofessional collaboration in strengthening the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals during crises. The study underscores the need to foster a collaborative environment and integrate interprofessional education for resilience.

Occupational therapy practitioners' experiences with interprofessional collaborative practice.

Although occupational therapists engage as part of interprofessional healthcare teams, explicit investigation into their experiences of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) has not been explored. This study evaluated occupational therapists in the United States experiences of IPCP with additional inquiry into which healthcare professionals occupational therapy practitioners interact with and how they engage in collaboration, during IPCP. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey; 142 occupational therapy practitioners responded. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate analyses; open-ended responses underwent consensual qualitative analysis. Participants reported most often engaging in IPCP with physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, physicians, and case managers, although variations in the top five professions were evident between practice settings. In addition, 82% of the respondents reported either feeling prepared or very prepared for IPCP after completing their pre-licensed educational programs. Two qualitative themes have emerged to describe key education-oriented and practice-oriented interprofessional experiences. To further enhance engagement in and preparedness for IPCP, occupational therapy professionals, and students may benefit from interprofessional training that involves the professions most often encountered during clinical practice. This type of learning could foster an understanding of communication and teamwork, thus enhancing readiness to participate in the IPCP team upon transition to practice.

Perceptions of interprofessional collaborative practice in South Africa: A systematic review.

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) were developed to address the health needs of communities through collaborative practice across healthcare disciplines. The impact of IPE on IPCP and clinical service delivery in South Africa is not evident, possibly because of the lack of IPCP experiences among healthcare professionals. Aim: International literature reports facilitators and barriers of IPCP implementation, but there was a need to filter the evidence to identify literature from the South African context regarding the perceptions of healthcare workers' perceived barriers and facilitators of IPCP. Setting: South African literature. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to synthesise evidence from articles published between January 2017 and December 2021. Only qualitative studies targeting health professionals in South Africa who had been exposed to IPCP were included. Consistent with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis, a multi-database search yielded 424 articles, which were screened for relevance and appraised for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. A thematic synthesis of the findings was conducted by applying ethical principles. Results: Synthesis of barriers and enablers for IPCP implementation in the South African context included key aspects of healthcare systems, management and team leadership. Conclusion: The integration of IPCP into clinical practice in South Africa is still limited as healthcare professionals operate in silos. Contribution: Recommendations of this study include greater integration of services combined with competent management and visionary leadership, together with the incorporation of IPE into undergraduate professional training programmes.

Fostering collaborative practice through interprofessional simulation for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and nursing students.

Literature regarding simulation for learning interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) indicates a need to include a range of health professions and to focus on students' development of team communication and conflict resolution skills in day-to-day healthcare delivery. This study evaluated the impact of interprofessional simulation for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and nursing students on interprofessional collaboration competencies, specifically collaborative communication and conflict resolution during day-to-day interactions, and their intention for IPCP during placement. A series of simulations featuring the potential for interprofessional conflict and involving explicit coaching on communication and conflict resolution were conducted. A single cohort pre-test post-test design included the Students' Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education Revised (SPICE-R), the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS), and an open response survey question on future intended practice. A total of 237 students participated in the simulation experience. Overall scores and scores on all IPCP competencies in the ICASS (n = 193) and SPICE-R (n = 226) improved for all professions post-simulation. The mean score of the ICCAS increased for 98% of the respondents and similarly the mean score of the SPICE-R increased for 71% of the respondents. Open-ended responses indicated students' intentions to pursue self-leadership in IPCP. Students who participated in an interprofessional simulation reported perceived improvements in IPCP competencies and were encouraged to initiate IPCP when on placement in the practice setting.

Virtual and Interprofessional Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Dentistry and Dental Technology: Development and User Evaluations.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) facilitates interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) to encourage teamwork among dental care professionals and is increasingly becoming a part of training programs for dental and dental technology students. However, the focus of previous IPE and IPCP studies has largely been on subjective student and instructor perceptions without including objective assessments of collaborative practice as an outcome measure. OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to develop the framework for a novel virtual and interprofessional objective structured clinical examination (viOSCE) applicable to dental and dental technology students, to assess the effectiveness of the framework as a tool for measuring the outcomes of IPE, and to promote IPCP among dental and dental technology students. METHODS: The framework of the proposed novel viOSCE was developed using the modified Delphi method and then piloted. The lead researcher and a group of experts determined the content and scoring system. Subjective data were collected using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and a self-made scale, and objective data were collected using examiner ratings. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests. RESULTS: We successfully developed a viOSCE framework applicable to dental and dental technology students. Of 50 students, 32 (64%) participated in the pilot study and completed the questionnaires. On the basis of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, the subjective evaluation indicated that teamwork skills were improved, and the only statistically significant difference in participant motivation between the 2 professional groups was in the mutual evaluation scale (P=.004). For the viOSCE evaluation scale, the difference between the professional groups in removable prosthodontics was statistically significant, and a trend for negative correlation between subjective and objective scores was noted, but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that viOSCE can be used as an objective evaluation tool to assess the outcomes of IPE and IPCP. This study also revealed an interesting relationship between mutual evaluation and IPCP results, further demonstrating that the IPE and IPCP results urgently need to be supplemented with objective evaluation tools. Therefore, the implementation of viOSCE as part of a large and more complete objective structured clinical examination to test the ability of students to meet undergraduate graduation requirements will be the focus of our future studies.

Interprofessional Education in a Psychiatry Clerkship.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this initiative was to encourage medical students to develop collaborative relationships with healthcare team members during a required psychiatry clerkship and reflect upon their demonstration of interprofessional competencies. METHODS: During the clerkship, third year medical students were required to complete two interprofessional activities (from a menu of 18 potential options) in conjunction with nurses, therapists, care coordinators, behavioral health specialists, peer specialists, unit secretaries, or unit managers during care of mutual patients. After completing these activities, students completed a reflection in which they self-reported how they had accomplished specific interprofessional competencies (quantitative and qualitative); the healthcare team members with whom the students collaborated also completed a corresponding reflection (quantitative) of students' interprofessional competence, based upon their interactions. RESULTS: Quantitative feedback from students and staff was paired to look for correlations. Paired responses produced a dataset that included 67 students' self-reflections and 110 feedback submissions from staff. Overall, there was much similarity between students' self-assessment ratings and ratings provided by staff members. Qualitative analysis of students' written feedback indicated they took initiative to take on new roles to support the care team and intentionally sought out healthcare teammates to learn about their roles and to better care for patients. Reflections highlight examples of student advocacy and empathy for patients they served. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that clerkship-based interprofessional education initiatives, designed with intentionality, promote interprofessional collaborative practices and prepare medical students for achieving residency milestones related to interprofessional collaboration.

The imperative of collaboration: Lived experience perspectives on team approaches in outpatient eating disorder treatment.

BACKGROUND: Across healthcare broadly, team treatment approaches range from siloed multidisciplinary treatment to synergistic Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP), with IPCP increasingly favored. In eating disorders, clinical practice guidelines endorse team outpatient treatment, and these approaches are widely used in clinical practice. However, there is limited evidence to describe attitudes toward and experiences of team approaches, including IPCP, among individuals with a lived experience. METHOD: Twenty-seven participants (aged 20-51 years) with a formal eating disorder diagnosis were recruited. Each had received outpatient eating disorder treatment from a team or teams comprising a mental health professional, dietitian, and general practitioner (GP) in the past 2 years. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were derived from the qualitative analysis. Themes included: (1) working together is better; (2) the linchpin of teamwork is communication; (3) teams should foster autonomy with limit-setting; and (4) systemic failures negatively affect team treatment. Participants favored highly collaborative treatment from a team including a mental health professional, dietitian, and GP at a minimum, where the team engaged in high-quality communication and fostered autonomy with limit-setting. Systemic failures negatively affecting team treatment were reported across the care continuum. DISCUSSION: Findings endorse the application of IPCP to outpatient eating disorder treatment as a strategy to improve treatment satisfaction, engagement, and outcomes. Given the paucity of evidence exploring IPCP in this field, however, the development and evaluation of interprofessional education and treatment models is a foundational necessity. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Team eating disorder treatment is widely used in clinical practice, although there is limited evidence to guide interventions. This study explores attitudes toward and experiences of team outpatient eating disorder treatment among individuals with a lived experience. Understanding preferred team treatment characteristics delivers important information to improve treatment satisfaction, engagement, and outcomes for individuals receiving outpatient eating disorder treatment.

A qualitative exploration of interprofessional collaborative practice between genetic counselors and mental health providers.

Genetic counselors (GCs) typically provide short-term counseling and assess patient needs, including the need for ongoing psychosocial support. While some patients may benefit from a referral to a mental health provider (MHP), previous research identified barriers to this process due to patient characteristics, the GC work environment, and MHP availability. Adoption of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), a model where multiple healthcare professionals from diverse training disciplines collaborate to deliver patient care, may mitigate these barriers. Evidence suggests that IPCP both increases patient satisfaction and reduces healthcare spending. Anecdotal evidence suggests that GCs and MHPs may use IPCP in select institutions, but there is limited research examining these relationships. This study aims to characterize the benefits, barriers, and limitations of current IPCP practice between GCs and MHPs. Six semi-structured interviews with GCs and MHPs were completed and analyzed thematically. Four themes emerged: (1) mental health concerns in GC sessions and GC scope of practice; (2) establishing and maintaining IPCP between GCs and MHPs; (3) benefits, barriers, and limitations of IPCP; and (4) next steps to develop future IPCP. The findings suggest that there are varying approaches to IPCP that are influenced by perceptions of provider scope of practice. IPCP may mitigate some previously described referral barriers related to logistics, and the availability of trusted MHPs with knowledge of a GCs specialty, thereby improving patient and provider satisfaction.