Abstract
Creekside Physiotherapy (CP) is a private-sector healthcare organization providing collaborative interprofessional care in Kimberley and Cranbrook, British Columbia (BC). CP is increasingly challenged to provide high-quality and integrated services within the current healthcare context. This paper answers the question, How can an integrated healthcare service delivery model be developed to enable CP to expand its collaborative interprofessional network to streamline client access to care? CP owners are dedicated allied health professionals (AHP) who believe in the benefits of integrated service delivery by interprofessional teams. They have structured the organization to support client access to interprofessional AHP services. They desire increased connection to the community network of professionals to allow for more effective and efficient healthcare. To ensure CP long-term success, the owners want to align their practices with current service delivery models and services clients value.The literature review explores the essential elements of integrated healthcare (IHC). These include person-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, service delivery models and network expansion. IHC can significantly impact client access, health outcomes and professional knowledge building. A review of current service delivery models assists in understanding the guiding principles required to create strong and trusting partnerships within the healthcare system.Current service delivery models do not encompass collaboration between the full range of private and public health sector services. Therefore, the primary and secondary research aimed to explore the reasons why. Primary data was collected through a survey and client and CP staff interviews. Participants shared their thoughts regarding IHC, interprofessional collaboration, network connections and areas of potential growth. Secondary data was collected through previous research on IHC in the public sector.The findings were organized into four themes: shared knowledge, communication, shared pathways and trust. Findings revealed that though CP provides successful integrated care within the organization, it is not successful in collaborating with the public sector. Participants in the interviews and surveys overwhelmingly discussed sharing professional knowledge and client information as central to integrating healthcare. The research confirmed the importance of understanding roles and responsibilities, educational opportunities, frequent and structured methods of communication, transparency in service options and leadership dedication to building relationships.The analysis explored the degree of alignment between the findings and the literature review. Though CP is aligned within its organization tailored person-centered services and time dedicated to collaboration, most areas were misaligned. Misalignments included a lack of client and professional knowledge, structured processes, interprofessional communication, shared care plans, and leadership to support IHC across the network.The discussion explored potential explanations for the degree of alignment found in the analysis. Shared knowledge among professionals and clients is a foundation for integrated care, which is lacking in the current healthcare context. Organizations must improve communication and increase access to public and private sector services through transparent service pathways. Trusting relationships formed by stakeholder engagement take time and dedication and are essential to person-centered care (PCC).Practical implementation steps support the recommendations and assist CP with several collaborative initiatives. Furthermore, implementation will assist CP in leading private-sector AHP services integrated into care pathways across the public sector. Integration will allow for more effective and efficient services, benefiting clients, service providers and CP long-term stability.