Collaborating in the context of co-location: a grounded theory study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Primary Care

Background:

• Most mental health care is sought from primary care providers (PCPs) who may lack resources.
• Interprofessional collaboration enhances PCPs' capacity to deliver mental health services.
• Understanding relationship-building is crucial for successful integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a theoretical understanding of the interprofessional collaborative relationship-building process.
• To guide healthcare providers and leaders in integrating mental health services into primary care.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory approach.
• Forty primary and mental health care providers participated in interviews.
• Constant comparative analysis of interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• A four-stage model of interprofessional collaborative relationship-building emerged: Looking for Help, Initiating Co-location, Fitting-in, and Growing Reciprocity.
• Collaboration in the Context of Co-location was the core category.
• Patient-focus and communication strategies were vital throughout the process.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional collaborative relationships are essential for delivering mental health services in primary care.
• The developmental model illustrates relationship co-creation and support.
• Providers should maintain flexible, patient-focused communication strategies for sustainable collaboration.