Since the early 2000’s, across Canada, a real emphasis was being placed on creation of interprofessional teams (IPTs) in all healthcare settings. These IPTs often do not include patients as part of team membership. The basis of these teams, however, is the enhancement of patient-centered care delivery and patient healthcare experience. A transformation of these teams is needed if the goals of interprofessional care are to be realized. Currently, there is a paucity of research available on how patients can become members of such teams in terms of what roles they can enact within them. The purpose of this study was to develop a framework, using Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory approach, on patient roles in primary care IPTs. A total of 10 patients and 10 healthcare providers were recruited from two family health teams in Ontario, Canada to undergo a two-step data collection process: an individual interview and a follow-up focus group. Data were analyzed as collected. This resulted in three patient roles identified: (1) expert of own health; (2) (co) decision- maker; (3) self- manager. Along with these, the processes, comprised of four parts, and the conditions, comprised of three parts, required for patients to take on such roles in IPTs were discovered. This study can provide an understanding of what is needed by patients and healthcare providers to transform current practice towards enhanced patient participation and inclusion on IPTs in primary care, addressing the Summit theme of Person-Engaged Practice. Furthermore, the study findings close the gap between research and practice leading to better care delivery and outcomes by providing an understanding of the evolving concepts associated with patient roles on IPTs as full participants in their care, enhancing their care satisfaction.
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
