Collaborative Practise

Question 1

What is ‘Collaborative Practice’?

Answer 1

dynamic process when “multiple health care workers from different professional backgrounds work together w/ patients, families, carers & communities to deliver the highest quality care”

(WHO, 2010)

Question 2

What is Inter-professional practise (ICP)?

Answer 2

ICP provides an ability to share knowledge + skills among professions and is conducive to better understanding, shared values and respect for the roles of other health professionals.

Question 3

Examples of collaborative practise

Answer 3

Multidisciplinary team for a cancer pt:
○ Surgeons
○ Oncologists
○ Nutritionist etc

Collaborative practise: WTE train GPs, doctors & nurses on the importance of maintaining oral health

Question 4

Why is collaborative practise important?
(5 marks)

Answer 4

1 - Globally & nationally there are INEQUALITIES in general &oral health

2 - BURDEN of chronic + infectious diseases

3 - Environmental + behavioural RISKS against a rapid demographic & epidemiological transitions

4 - AGING POPULATION - health care systems are struggling to keep populations healthy as they become more complex & costly

5 - Huge DEMAND on health workers to promote health

Question 5

Give 5 reasons why collaborative practise for health.

Answer 5

1) Common risk factor approach
○ Our role in CP: Dentists are front line medical professionals in the prevention, early detection & tx of oral & systemic disease. Dentist should play leadership role to improve oral & general health.

2) Impact of oral health related quality of life & wider impacts
○ Poor oral health –> decreased academic performance & can adversely affect behavioural & social development (Jackson et al., 2011)

3) CP increases efficiency & quality to service delivery & improves access

4) CP improves mutual trust & accountability among providers & results in better conditioned care

5) CP reduces costs by avoiding duplication of efforts

Question 6

Explain the ‘NICE guidance 2017 Oral Health in Care Homes’:
& its collaborative practise recommendations

Answer 6

NICE guidance 2017 Oral Health in Care Homes involves:
- Adult Social Care w/in the local authority / Commissioners of care home services
- Service providers (care homes)
- Health & social care practitioners (managers, nursing staff, HCA)

NICE recommends:
1. Adults who move into a care home should have their mouth care needs assessed on admission (oral health assessment)

2. Adults living in care homes have their mouth care needs recorded in their personal care plan

3. Adults living in care homes are supported to maintain their oral health