Interdisciplinary professional practice leadership within a program model: BC Rehab's experience

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Practice
• Rehabilitation Services

Background:

• Organizational restructuring from departmental to program management models is common in healthcare.
• Ensuring consistent clinical standards of practice across disciplines during such transitions presents challenges.
• The need for roles that bridge disciplinary and programmatic perspectives is often identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and function of the professional practice leader role at BC Rehab.
• To explore how this role supports clinical standards and interdisciplinary care.
• To examine the role's contribution to balancing program-specific and broader rehabilitation goals.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative review of the professional practice leader role.
• Analysis of the role's mandate and its impact on service delivery.
• Examination of strategies to maintain connections to operational and clinical issues.

Main Results:

• The professional practice leader role was successfully developed during restructuring.
• This role is uniquely positioned to promote interdisciplinary, client-focused rehabilitation services.
• The role helps maintain a focus on the broad scope and goals of rehabilitation, balancing program-specific perspectives.

Conclusions:

• The professional practice leader role is effective in addressing clinical standards and promoting integrated care.
• Maintaining connections to operational and clinical issues is crucial for the role's success.
• This role provides a valuable mechanism for holistic rehabilitation service delivery.