Existing models of interprofessional collaborative practice in primary healthcare: a scoping review

Educating students to provide interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) in primary healthcare (PHC) requires a robust rigorous model relevant to future practice. A scoping review was undertaken to identify existing models of IPCP in PHC, the interprofessional or collaborative theories on which the models were based, reported outcomes, and enablers of and barriers to IPCP in PHC. The 35 eligible studies included 27 models, most of which were designed for a specific PHC site or program. Although almost half of the studies cited established interprofessional competencies in support of the models, only 13 included theoretical support, and only two cited interprofessional theory. Outcomes for clients, practitioners, practices, and students were primarily experiential and positive. A few researchers reported negative experiences or no difference between comparison groups. Key enablers of IPCP in PHC were strong supportive, inclusive relationships and practices. The most common barriers were time and resource constraints and poor understanding of IPCP. The review suggests a need for a stronger theoretical basis for IPCP in PHC that can accommodate different settings, and for more observational research that links relationship factors to outcomes at the practice, population, and wider health system levels.