Interprofessional Collaboration between General Physicians and Emergency Department Teams in Belgium

A Qualitative Study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12829166
AutoresMarlène Karam (0000-0001-5277-2000, UCLouvain, autor de correspondencia), Sandra Tricas-Saura (0000-0003-2226-6689, UCLouvain), Élisabeth Darras (UCLouvain), Jean Macq (0000-0003-2905-2683, UCLouvain)
Año2017
Volumen17
Número4
Páginas9-9
Fecha de publicación2017-10-02
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Integrated Care (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1568-4156 • E-ISSN: 1568-4156
EditorialUbiquity Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.5334/ijic.2520
PMID29588632
OpenAlexW2592631499
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas35

This study aimed to assess interprofessional collaboration between general physicians and emergency departments in the French speaking regions of Belgium. Eight group interviews were conducted both in rural and urban areas, including in Brussels. Findings showed that the relational components of collaboration, which are highly valued by individuals involved, comprise mutual acquaintanceship and trust, shared power and objectives. The organizational components of collaboration included out-of-hours services, role clarification, leadership and overall environment. Communication and patient's role were also found to be key elements in enhancing or hindering collaboration across these two levels of care. Relationships between general physicians and emergency departments' teams were tightly linked to organizational factors and the general macro-environment. Health system regulation did not appear to play a significant role in promoting collaboration between actors. A better role clarification is needed in order to foster multidisciplinary team coordination for a more efficient patient management. Finally, economic power and private practice impeded interprofessional collaboration between the care teams. In conclusion, many challenges need to be addressed for achievement of a better collaboration and more efficient integration. Not only should integration policies aim at reinforcing the role of general physicians as gatekeepers, also they should target patients' awareness and empowerment

Empowerment · Health care · Integrated care · Multidisciplinary approach · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sociology · Teamwork · Chronic Disease Management Strategies · Interprofessional Education and Collaboration · Medicine · Nursing · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology