Key Success Factors
and Pitfalls
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Primary Care Toolkit for Family Physicians
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Common Objectives
It is essential that family physicians working within primary care groups have a commonly agreed-upon set of objectives in establishing a culture and applying the practice of interdisciplinary collaboration in primary care. All providers, including family physicians, should be prepared to deal with issues such as interpersonal dynamics, prejudices or biases, and perceived professional roles.
In order to deal with issues of potential conflict and controversy, it is suggested that a team development process be undertaken prior to beginning to offer team-based services to a patient population. It may be worthy of consideration to hire a facilitator or other skilled professional in order to facilitate a process of group development. No matter which primary care model is chosen, it will take time for family physicians and other care providers in the care team to achieve the levels of maturity required for the mutual satisfaction of all professionals in the group.