Opportunities to enhance assisted living facility care quality through interprofessional collaborative practice

Interprofessional Education (IPE) is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy for enhancing the quality of care in assisted living facility (ALF) settings. By fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals such as nurses, nurses' aides, social workers, physicians, and administrators, IPE promotes a shared and more robust understanding of resident needs and care goals. This opinion article argues that greater integration of IPE and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) into long-term care training programs can significantly improve communication, reduce errors, and enhance person-centered care. Assisted living communities face complex challenges, including managing chronic conditions, supporting cognitive issues, changes in resident acuity, and addressing psychosocial needs. IPCP equips staff with the skills to navigate these challenges collectively, leading to more coordinated and effective care. While barriers such as scheduling challenges and institutional silos frequently persist, the potential benefits of IPCP include broader integration of IPCP towards improved resident outcomes, resident and staff satisfaction, and operational efficiencies that warrant its broader adoption. This article calls for greater prioritization of IPCP in assisted living facility settings to enhance resident outcomes and staff collaboration.