Note from the editor

CrossCurrents

Health professionals have a longstanding history of working together to deliver quality, sustainable health care for Canadians and to ensure the optimal use of resources. But as the demand for health care increases, new models are being explored. There is a growing consensus that inter-professional collaborative practice will result in better health, improved access to services, more efficient use of resources and better satisfaction for both clients and health care providers.

As part of its Primary Health Care Transition Fund, Health Canada funded the Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative, which validated important hallmarks of a primary health care approach, including interprofessional collaboration. Collaborative mental health and addiction care (also called shared care) involves family physicians working with health care providers like nurse practitioners, social workers and psychiatrists. Collaborative programs are used when a family doctor determines that a person is experiencing mental health or substance use issues, or when a person indicates to their doctor that they are experiencing these issues. In these situations, the family doctor may refer the person to a mental health or substance use professional or team of professionals, who then work together with the person to address their health needs.

The articles in this issue of CrossCurrents illustrate some of these concepts and models in action, and highlight opportunities and challenges in moving collaborative care to the forefront of primary health care. Dr. Roger Bland, a long-time proponent of collaborative care, introduces the concept and describes the key features of a successful collaboration. Anne Ptasznik describes a mentoring network that links psychiatrists and family doctors. Collaborative care in addiction settings involves unique issues, which are discussed in Kim Goggins’ article. In a one-on-one interview, Carol Rupcich, a nurse practitioner, provides insights into the practical experience of working in collaborative care. Anne Ptasznik visits a Toronto shelter to see a collaborative care team in action in the community. Next, a collaborative care team in Calgary shows us just how it works with children and youths. In the Q&A, Dr. Nick Kates, a Canadian leader in collaborative care, discusses the promise of family health teams. Dr. Ty Turner winds up the issue, challenging us to confront the barriers that remain to implementing collaborative care in Canada.

Enjoy this issue of CrossCurrents. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Hema Zbogar
tel 416 595-6714
hema_zbogar@camh.net

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