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Interprofessional Practice (IPP) is the ability to provide a comprehensive health care service to all patients. Healthcare providers achieve this joining together and working collaboratively to deliver quality care across a range of healthcare settings. An interprofessional setting may offer several benefits to patients, including improved access to healthcare, less conflict and tension amongst caregivers, improved use of clinical resources, better retention of staff, better results for patients in particular those with chronic diseases. (http://www.ontarioshores.ca/about_us/our_approach/interprofessional/). This paper will discuss the benefits of an interprofessional practice to the patient.

The World Health Organisation (2008), has found that on average one out of every two patients believes that doctors rarely or never ask their opinions concerning their treatment options which leads to duplication of care and patients consulting various healthcare providers for the same or related conditions. This lack of communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and patients can leave patients uncertain as to where to turn to for help due to the. This may be a particular concern for patients with complex conditions such as diabetes as they require the expertise of many types of healthcare providers, which may include, a diabetes educator, dietitian, nutritionist, physiotherapist, endocrinologist, podiatrist, optometrist/ophthalmologist, counselor and or exercise physiologist, this list may be more extensive based on each individuals needs. Some of the mentioned healthcare providers are intertwined and in some instances their knowledge may overlap with another healthcare provide who may traditionally use similar types of kn...

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...tice allows for continuous quality improvements within the healthcare system to ensure the healthcare needs of patients is meet. These benefits include better outcomes for the patient and more effective use of healthcare resources. but also combining the active involvement of patients and their families with the expertise of educators and clinicians alike, the delivery of better quality healthcare to all can be achieved.
When healthcare providers work collaboratively, they seek common goals and are able to analyze and address any problems that arise.2 They make better use of their skills and knowledge and they are able to more effectively coordinate care according to patients’ needs. As a result, patients should receive higher quality care.2 In addition to enhancing quality care, collaborative practice contributes to job satisfaction for the healthcare provider.

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