Intersections between interprofessional practice, cultural competency and primary healthcare

The concepts of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), cultural competency and primary healthcare (PHC) appear to be linked in theory and practice. A recently published JIC paper (Oelke et al 2013) provides arguments explicating the potential linkages between IPCP and cultural competency. The authors argue that cultural competency is an important component of IPCP both for relationships with patients and/or communities in which providers work and between team members. 

The authors note that organizational structures also play an important role in facilitating IPCP and cultural competency. The integration of both IPCP and cultural competency has the potential to enhance positive health outcomes. Furthermore, the authors argue IPCP and cultural competency have important implications for PHC service design, given interprofessional teams are a key component of PHC systems. Linking these concepts in providing PHC services can be essential for impacting outcomes at all levels of primary healthcare, including patient, provider and systems.

To read more about these issues go to: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13561820.2013.785502