Interprofessional collaboration is a vital part of elder care, bringing together resources and expertise from different areas in order to assist a family or individual.
According to the World Health Organization, health care is undergoing a significant transformation to reduce cost while improving quality and client experience. Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and education are viewed as the best path forward to meet the complex needs of today’s clients under new reimbursement models. According to the World Health Organization, IPC occurs when multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, caregivers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care.
Rothkoff Law Group takes a unique approach to client service by implementing interprofessional collaboration into its approach. The occupational therapists, social workers, and care coordinators of Rothkoff Law Group have unique skills and abilities to effectively address a client’s overall healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, emotional, and social).
Occupational therapists help clients with home accessibility and safety modifications to ensure they can live in their homes as independently and safely as possible despite age or disability. Care coordinators are charged with reviewing a patient’s care plan and coordinating its various aspects to ensure holistic treatment. This can include things such as coordinating care among different health care practitioners and ensuring patients and family members are kept abreast of developments related to a patient’s care to understand their desires and preferences. Care coordinators are essentially the “quarterback” overseeing a patient’s individualized care plan.
Social workers help coordinate discharge planning and facilitate placement as well as facilitating education around community resources that are available to patients and their families. Care coordinators oversee all aspects of patient care to ensure patients and their families receive the care, support, and resources they need.
This interprofessional collaboration is needed to provide the best resources possible for clients. Each of these professionals has a different approach, educational background, and perspective to assess the client’s needs and coordinate patient treatment and health outcomes, including conveying the patient’s and their families’ concerns and desires. At Rothkoff Law Group, IPC is at the core of our philosophy and approach to our clients.