Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes
Health care in the 21st century requires the expertise and cooperation of multiple professions acting together to ensure patients can experience the best outcomes (AACN, 2006). Advanced practice nurses, as integral members of the health care team, must be proficient in leading interprofessional teams. This includes skills such as effective communication, development and implementation of models informed by best practices, clinical guidelines, policies, addressing organizational issues, and working with others to create organizational and systems change (AACN 2006).
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As an advanced practice nurse who holds a Master of Public Health degree, I have had many opportunities to serve on and lead multi-professional teams. My DNP project itself was comprised of professionals from several disciplines in order to ensure that data collection and analysis was conducted effectively.
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Additional examples of interprofessional collaboration include a recent joint guideline that was developed under my leadership between the Public Health Nursing unit and Department of Family Services. The guideline was developed to facilitate efficiency and role clarification during joint adult protection visits. Prior to this guideline, DFS did not have understanding of the role of PHN, and PHN was not sure what the needs of DFS workers on such visits were. In order to solve this issue, a joint guideline was developed.
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This summer I wrote and application for, and was awarded, a Healthy Brain Initiative strategic planning cohort spot through ASTHO and the Alzheimer's Association. The initiative involves assembling and leading a multidisciplinary team in the strategic planning process to integrate Alzheimer's and other Dementia prevention efforts into public health chronic disease work. The team I am leading includes members from public health nursing, community health services, the Alzheimer's Association, the state Aging division, and a non-profit organization called Dementia Friendly Wyoming.
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American Academy of Colleges of Nursing (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/DNPEssentials.pdf
