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. 2023 Jan 23;23(1):68.
doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09063-w.

Family physicians collaborating for health system integration: a scoping review

Colleen Grady  1 , Han Han  2 , Da Hye Kim  3 , Angela M Coderre-Ball  2 , Nadia Alam  4   5
Affiliations

Family physicians collaborating for health system integration: a scoping review

Colleen Grady et al. BMC Health Serv Res. .

Abstract

Background: In Canada, Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) are a new model for integrated healthcare. Core to OHTs are family physicians (FPs) and their ability to collaborate with other FPs and healthcare providers. Whereas the factors for intra-organizational collaboration have been well-studied, inter-organizational collaboration between FPs and other healthcare organizations as an integrated care network, are less understood. This paper aims to explore the structural factors, processes, and theoretical frameworks that support FPs' collaboration for integrated healthcare.

Methods: A scoping review was undertaken based on Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping review and using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Review (PRISMA_ScR) checklist. A search for academic and relevant grey literature published between 2000-2021 was conducted across databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCOhost).Thematic analysis was used to identify the key findings of the selected studies.

Results: Thirty-two studies were included as eligible for this review. Three structural components were identified as critical to FPs' successful participation in inter-organizational partnerships: (1) shared vision/values, (2) leadership by FPs, and (3) defined decision-making procedures. Also, three processes were identified: (1) effective communication, (2) a collective sense of motivation for change, and (3) relationships built on trust. Three theoretical frameworks provided insight into collaborative initiatives: (1) Social Identity Approach, (2) framework of interprofessional collaboration, and (3) competing values framework.

Conclusion: FPs hold unique positions in healthcare and this review is the first to synthesize the best evidence for building collaborations between FPs and other healthcare sectors. These findings will inform collaboration strategies for healthcare integration, including with OHTs.

Keywords: Family physician; Integrated care; Inter-organizational collaboration; Processes; Structure.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA-ScR flow diagram for study selection
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Characteristics of the included studies/documents
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Structure and processes that enable FPs to collaborate with other healthcare sectors in integrated care
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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