Interprofessional Practice Essay

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Caring for older adults requires health professionals with knowledge and skills in geriatrics and interprofessional practice (IPP) (Ryan, et al,2013). Geriatric knowledge is required because the clinical presentation of older adults are unique and complex (Heckman, 2010).On the other hand, IPP is important because health professionals come from diffident and carrying different conceptualizations of the patient, thus the development of cohesive practice among the health professionals is required to fulfill the needs of older people (D'amour, & Oandasan, 2005).
IPP is an approach to practice in which professionals from health and social care work together to provide seamless service for clients and families (Miller & Freeman, 2001).IPP assumes that health professionals from different backgrounds work collaboratively with each other (Mccallin, 2005).Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is defined as a “process in which different professional groups work together to positively impact health …show more content…

A geriatrician is primarily focused on maintaining patient’s well-being and independent functioning (Lee, Dooley, Ory, & Sumaya, 2013). He deals with multiple geriatric syndromes, discusses preventive measures to improve patients health and safety (Sternberg, 1999). If a person suffering from dementia or other serious health issue geriatrician works with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care (Reed, & Hepburn, 1999).
In most teams, senior geriatrician plays the role of a team leader (Lee, Dooley, Ory, & Sumaya, 2013).He collaboratively works with other health professionals who specialize in caring for elders including geriatric nurses, occupational therapist, psycho-geriatricians, geriatric pharmacists etc. His collaborative work facilitates the most efficient and appropriate use of health care services and enhances the development of health care system (Lee, Dooley, Ory, & Sumaya,

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