Fundamental to the success of many recent health system reforms is the implementation of new primary health care delivery models. The central characteristic common to these new models usually emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration (IC). Using empirical research, this presentation discusses IC among various groups of professionals within an original Canadian primary health care delivery model, the Quebec Community Health Care Centers. The entire population of more than 150 CHCCs has been surveyed. The goals of this study are: (1) to measure the achieved intensity of IC among the Quebec CHCCs; and (2) to identify the organizational and professional factors fostering or limiting IC. The results show that Quebec CHCCs have reached modest results in achieving IC, especially since it is a central objective that has been pursued for more than 25 years. This study demonstrates that the main factors associated with IC are narrowly linked to work group internal dynamics, revealing simultaneous and antagonistic effect of some central intragroup process factors. We are in the presence of conflicting values and beliefs that both enhance and limit IC and seriously undermines the strength of the CHCC work group mental model. The results stress the importance of administrative formalization initiatives to enhance collaboration. The efficacy of formalization of functions and processes is thus based on its capacity to offer an articulated and operative interdisciplinary framework that can generate a counteractive effect to the traditional professional framework. It offers concrete rules that align the work group mental model with interdisciplinary values.
Learning Objectives: 1- The learner will identify the organizational and professional factors fostering or limiting interdisciplinary collaboration 2- The learner will discuss a measure of the intensity of interdisciplinary collaboration
Keywords: Collaboration, Community-Based Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Community Heahth Care Centers
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.