How best to structure interdisciplinary primary care teams: the study protocol for a systematic review with narrative...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Team Science
• Primary Care Management

Background:

• Western healthcare systems increasingly use interdisciplinary teams for primary care and chronic disease management.
• Optimal structural characteristics of these teams are crucial for effective functioning and improved health outcomes.
• This knowledge synthesis examines the academic and grey literature on team structure, process, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess factors contributing to effective interdisciplinary primary care team functioning.
• To evaluate how team structure influences team process and primary care goals.
• To guide the design of interdisciplinary primary care teams for improved population health.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of academic and grey literature on interdisciplinary primary care teams.
• Inclusion of qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on team characteristics, care process, and patient outcomes.
• Data extraction and narrative synthesis using an a priori framework and Mixed Methods Assessment Tool for quality appraisal.

Main Results:

• Evidence synthesis will identify optimal structural characteristics of interdisciplinary primary care teams.
• Analysis will focus on the relationships between team structure, team process, and primary care goals.
• Findings will be translated into an electronic decision support tool for healthcare decision-makers.

Conclusions:

• Optimized interdisciplinary primary care team designs are essential for achieving primary care goals.
• Evidence-based recommendations will support the development of effective teams.
• This work aims to improve the health of populations through enhanced primary care delivery.