Translating concepts to practice: Examining the synergy of interprofessional competencies and quality improvement

Abstract

Quality improvement (QI) teams typically consist of membership from many roles and professions working together to improve care. However, despite the growing number of interprofessional (IP) teams involved in QI education and projects, carrying out successful improvement remains challenging. IP competency frameworks have been used as an enabler in practice, education and research to expand understanding of collaboration beyond team dynamics. Building on literature and practices in QI and interprofessional care (IPC), this paper identifies specific team tools and practices relevant to IP competencies. By connecting IP competencies to these practical QI tools, we examine the synergistic relationship between QI tools and IP competencies. There is an opportunity to explicitly integrate IP competencies with QI tools, education and programs to enhance IPC. Future research should include application of IP competencies across different QI team structures and sectors and the impact of integration of IP competencies in QI tools and programs.