Abstract
nterprofessional Collaborative Practice (ICP) has
evolved as a key intervention for efficient and effe-
ctive promotion of health’apart from treating patients,
particularly those suffering from complex disorders
and need multi-professionalcare.
ICP, sometimes also termed as Interprofessional Prac- tice PPP), “happens when multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, carers and communities to deli- ver the highest qualip of care across settings” ’.
ICP responds to patients’ needs comprehensively in a coordinated and safe manner using available resources
rounds where professionals from multiple disciplines including Pharmacy and Social Services join together to provide comprehensive and inclusive care to the pat- ients.
In Malaysia, Medication Therapy and Adherence clinics were established in 2007with the aim of improving the level of compliance to medication among patients suff- ering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma and epilepsy These clinics also helped patients who were receiving anticoagulant or methadone replace- ment therapy Currently the pharmacists also join the ward rounds in medical and surgical wards of the major
more productively and efficiently'. By combining pre-
hospitals and p1a›
par in he patient care‘.
ventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative services with health education, the incidence and prevalence of disabilip can be reduced significantly . ICP is patient friendly and a humane approach which reduces duplications, gaps and interruptions in provision of health-related services bv replacing multiple visits to specialists' clinics on different occasions with a single visit to a combined clinic where all the relevant healthcare providers see the patient in a coordinated manner. This approach also provides the opportunity for healthcare providers to deliberate among themselves and make an inclusive plan for managing the patients collaboratively
