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. 2021 Jun 22;21(2):32.
doi: 10.5334/ijic.5589.

An Overview of Reviews on Interprofessional Collaboration in Primary Care: Barriers and Facilitators

Cloe Rawlinson  1 , Tania Carron  1 , Christine Cohidon  1 , Chantal Arditi  1 , Quan Nha Hong  2 , Pierre Pluye  2 , Isabelle Peytremann-Bridevaux  1 , Ingrid Gilles  1
Affiliations

An Overview of Reviews on Interprofessional Collaboration in Primary Care: Barriers and Facilitators

Cloe Rawlinson et al. Int J Integr Care. .

Abstract

Introduction: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is becoming more widespread in primary care due to the increasing complex needs of patients. However, its implementation can be challenging. We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of IPC in primary care settings.

Methods: An overview of reviews was carried out. Nine databases were searched, and two independent reviewers took part in review selection, data extraction and quality assessment. A thematic synthesis was carried out to highlight the main barriers and facilitators, according to the type of IPC and their level of intervention (system, organizational, inter-individual and individual).

Results: Twenty-nine reviews were included, classified according to six types of IPC: IPC in primary care (large scope) (n = 11), primary care physician (PCP)-nurse in primary care (n = 2), PCP-specialty care provider (n = 3), PCP-pharmacist (n = 2), PCP-mental health care provider (n = 6), and intersectoral collaboration (n = 5). Most barriers and facilitators were reported at the organizational and inter-individual levels. Main barriers referred to lack of time and training, lack of clear roles, fears relating to professional identity and poor communication. Principal facilitators included tools to improve communication, co-location and recognition of other professionals' skills and contribution.

Conclusions: The range of barriers and facilitators highlighted in this overview goes beyond specific local contexts and can prove useful for the development of tools or guidelines for successful implementation of IPC in primary care.

Keywords: barriers; collaboration; facilitators; interprofessional; overview; primary care; review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Six types of interprofessional collaboration identified.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Barriers to interprofessional collaboration with the number of reviews reporting them, by type of collaboration.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Facilitators of interprofessional collaboration with the number of reviews reporting them, by type of collaboration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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