81 3.2.1 Interprofessional Practice Models

Collaborative practice occurring in health care is identified by the World Health Organization ^[1] as, “when multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds provide comprehensive services by working with patients, their families, carers and communities to deliver the highest quality of care across settings”.

Interprofessional practice (IP) is key to all practice settings, but especially LTC.

Practice models will vary based on your practice setting, organization and even health system model.  In LTC, interprofessional practice includes the following professions:

• Direct care staff (RN, RPN/LPN, PSW)
• Allied health staff (PT/PTA, OT/OTA, SW, RD, etc.)
• Health care providers (NP, MD, OD, DDS)
• Other (volunteers, community agencies)