The need for clarification of terminology and labels in interprofessional care: A commentary

Abstract

Background: The current healthcare environment is filled with numerous team caring models, which are often used interchangeably, but ultimately mean different levels of collaboration among HCPs, and between HCPs and patients: multiprofessional collaboration, transprofessional collaboration, and interprofessional patient-centered collaborative (IPCC) care. Furthermore, the labels for these care models are not patient-friendly, portraying that only HCP ‘professionals’ comprise the team membership. Clarity is required around the terminology and labeling of these caring models to ensure enhanced patient involvement within interprofessional teams. Discussion: The definitions of the three team care models are provided with an explanation of how these models of care connect to the 55-year-old patient’s case and impact on the relationship between HCPs and patient. Conclusion: While IPCC care is considered as the gold standard for the collaboration between a variety of HCP professional groups and the patient, work needs to be done on the label applied to this caring model. Future research should explore, from patients’ perspectives, the labels used in IPCC care and propose an alternative title that is more inclusive of patients as team members.