The Importance and Application of Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is increasingly recognized as essential to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. As healthcare systems grow more complex, effective communication and teamwork across disciplines become not just beneficial but necessary. The work by McLaney et al. (2022) underscores this by presenting a practical framework designed to foster team-based competencies in hospital settings, shifting the focus from individual to collective performance. Their model emphasizes how collaboration leads to better clinical outcomes, more efficient care delivery, and stronger alignment with organizational goals.

One of the primary reasons IPC is so critical lies in the complexity of modern patient needs. Patients often present with multiple chronic conditions that require input from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and other specialists. When care is fragmented—when each professional works in isolation—important information may be lost, and patient safety can be compromised. Interprofessional teams that work collaboratively can pool expertise, coordinate interventions, and ensure that care plans are holistic and cohesive. This shared decision-making fosters accountability and trust, both within the team and with patients.

The benefits of IPC are well-documented. McLaney et al. (2022) emphasize that team collaboration improves communication, reduces medical errors, and enhances job satisfaction among healthcare workers. When professionals feel respected and valued for their contributions, they are more likely to engage meaningfully in patient care. For patients, this means receiving care that is more responsive, inclusive, and aligned with their needs. Moreover, hospitals and organizations benefit from increased efficiency, reduced duplication of services, and improved health outcomes, making IPC a cost-effective approach to healthcare delivery.

The Sunnybrook framework developed by McLaney and colleagues provides a real-world model for how interprofessional collaboration can be effectively implemented in hospital settings. Rather than focusing solely on individual roles, the framework defines six collective team competencies and 19 associated behaviors that foster shared accountability, team reflection, collaborative decision-making, and inclusive communication. These competencies are designed to be scalable and relevant across different departments and care environments, making them a valuable tool for institutional adoption.

Implementing IPC in practice requires more than good intentions—it involves structured training, leadership support, and ongoing evaluation. Hospitals can integrate team-based competency training into orientation programs and continuing education. Leadership must model collaborative behaviors and create a culture that values open communication. Furthermore, tools such as shared care plans, interprofessional rounds, and regular team debriefings can reinforce IPC on a daily basis. As McLaney et al. (2022) note, involving patients and families in care planning is also essential to ensuring that collaboration extends beyond the clinical team to include the people most impacted by the decisions made.

In conclusion, interprofessional collaboration is not a luxury in healthcare—it is a necessity. It enhances patient care, strengthens teams, and builds systems that are safer, more inclusive, and more effective. By applying structured frameworks like the one proposed by McLaney and colleagues, healthcare institutions can embed IPC into their culture and practice, ultimately transforming the way care is delivered.

Reference

McLaney, E., Morassaei, S., Hughes, L., Davies, R., Campbell, M., & Di Prospero, L. (2022). A framework for interprofessional team collaboration in a hospital setting: Advancing team competencies and behaviours. Healthcare Management Forum, 35(2), 112–117. https://doi.org/10.1177/08404704211063584