Integration of Authentic Leadership Lens for Building High Performing Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Teams

Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) models facilitate collaboration and teamwork across the health care continuum. Success of high performing IPCP teams is dependent on compassionate, authentic leaders who invest in helping their teams thrive amidst complexity. This article presents the integration of an authentic leadership lens for building high performing IPCP teams. Using their experience with implementation of an innovative IPCP model to improve health outcomes for an underserved patient population in the southeastern United States, the authors share targeted strategies using an authentic leadership lens to develop high performing teams. Data collected for 3 years reflect positive team performance outcomes related to collaboration and teamwork, which contributed to enhanced access to care, exceptional patient experience, improved physical and mental health outcomes, reduced hospital readmissions, and decreased cost of care. An innovative IPCP model of care is an effective approach to improve health outcomes and care transitions. However, it may not be fully successful if health care professionals practicing within these models cannot collaborate effectively or maintain personal well-being. The value of using an authentic leadership lens to guide IPCP team development cannot be underestimated.