Providing healthcare is a monumental challenge. With so many variables in the face of a life-or-death situation, there’s little room for error when caring for a patient. But doctors and nurses can improve the quality of care they provide by comparing their approach to healthcare with their colleagues. Healthcare providers are developing new techniques and treatment methods all the time, and their colleagues can benefit from the results. While interprofessional care collaboration and peer review have long been the backbone of the healthcare industry, some care providers can fall out of step with their colleagues as they get set in their ways. But doctors and nurses should remember to reach out to those around them for advice and support to make sure they’re using the best treatment methods available. Learn more about the benefits of interprofessional care collaboration.
What Is Interprofessional Care Collaboration?
Interprofessional care collaboration means doctors, nurses, and other care providers working together to improve their approach to healthcare. Healthcare providers can achieve better results by having an open dialogue with their peers and colleagues. This allows them to compare the effectiveness of their treatment methods, learn about cutting-edge treatment options, and develop a better understanding of how certain conditions affect the body. While most state license boards across the U.S. require their members to engage in regular industry training, doctors and nurses can better improve their approach to healthcare by consistently reaching out to their colleagues for feedback and advice.
More Accurate Medication Dosage and Decreasing Adverse Drug Reactions
When comparing the efficacy of various treatment methods, doctors and nurses can learn about new treatment options that might be more effective. By sharing important dosage information, doctors can quickly learn about all the ways a drug might affect a patient. This helps them more accurately prescribe drugs and medications to patients. If a patient with a certain condition isn’t benefiting from a certain treatment option, the doctor can share this information with their colleagues, so others don’t make the same mistake. Overall, this improves efficiency and reduces waste when prescribing medication, so the patient doesn’t end up taking a pill that makes their condition worse.
Reducing Mortality Rates
Doctors and nurses can use interprofessional care collaboration to improve patient care in life-threatening situations as well. Terminal diseases can be the most difficult to treat. Participating in interprofessional care collaboration allows healthcare providers to learn about the latest treatment options, the benefits they provide and when to prescribe such treatment options. This may help them save a life that might otherwise be lost.
If a doctor does not participate in interprofessional care collaboration, they may not be aware of a life-saving treatment option and their patients will suffer as a result. This can reduce mortality rates as doctors and researchers develop new treatment options.
Improving Care Efficiency
When doctors and nurses have access to the latest treatment information, they can make more informed decisions for their patients. This means the patient won’t have to waste their time or money on ineffective treatment options. The hospital can also make better use of its budget and invest in the best healthcare equipment when doctors and key personnel have the latest industry information.
The U.S. health care system wastes about $765 billion a year, and that number can be reduced if doctors and facilities are more willing to share their findings when treating patients. This reduces waste in the system and improves efficiency across the board.
Better Job Satisfaction
Patients clearly stand to benefit from interprofessional care collaboration by getting access to the best treatment options available. But doctors and nurses will also experience more job satisfaction when collaborating with their colleagues and peers. They will yield better results when delivering care, which helps the staff feel a greater sense of purpose on the job. The facility won’t have to deal with as many patient deaths and unfortunate outcomes that wear away at a healthcare provider’s sense of self-worth.
The healthcare facility can also make better use of its staff and resources if doctors and nurses can provide care more efficiently. Some staff members might not have to work as long hours and the hospital can keep more beds free if more patients are staying healthy and getting the care they need.
Interprofessional care collaboration can make the entire healthcare industry more cost-effective. Fewer lives will be lost if doctors and nurses are willing to share and exchange information on a regular basis. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a colleague when trying to care for a patient!
