The Growing Need for Care Collaboration
We believe that the main reasons behind many of the problems experienced today in our healthcare systems stem from the lack of communication, ineffective collaboration, and a gap between all circles of care. However, the knowledge on this topic is not often shown or easy to find. So, we thought we would speak about why there is a growing need for healthcare collaboration and increase the knowledge sharing on this topic.
Lack of Communication: A Core Challenge
One fundamental reason for the challenges faced by the healthcare sector today is the overwhelming lack of communication. Communication breakdowns hinder the sharing of vital information among healthcare professionals, leading to delayed diagnoses and compromised patient care.
In the UK, children and young people face considerable obstacles in their development, primarily due to delays and long waiting times for diagnosis, alongside inadequate and ineffective support. Sadly, many are disillusioned and let down during these critical stages. Although the UK has devised various strategies for timely diagnosis assessments, these targets are consistently unmet. For instance, in England, less than 10% of children had their diagnosis initiated within the three-month timeframe. This delays the young persons ability to effectively communicate their symptoms and gain the support they need to understand their response to different situations. Overtime this can cause stress to families which in turn can cause other mental health conditions.
Communication barriers significantly impact individuals with autism and/or intellectual disabilities in the United States. These barriers lead to various issues in primary care, such as incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate medication. Moreover, they hinder individuals' access to adequate healthcare services. Studies reveal that healthcare providers often lack awareness of the extensive communication challenges faced by individuals with these disabilities. Instead of directly communicating with the service user, practitioners may rely on interacting with a carer, family member, or support worker. This approach restricts the service user's ability to speak for themselves and exert control over their healthcare needs. Consequently, individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism experience anxiety when their voices are not heard, and their communication needs are not met.
Ineffective Collaboration: An Obstinate Barrier
Another critical factor contributing to our healthcare system's current predicament is the prevalence of ineffective collaboration. Isolated healthcare practices, where different providers fail to work cohesively as a team, impede the delivery of seamless and integrated patient care. This disjointed approach can result in fragmented treatment plans, duplicated tests, and increased healthcare costs—a burden on patients, providers, and the system as a whole. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the United States, stated that the ineffective collaboration among healthcare providers contributes to fragmented treatment plans. The study found that approximately 30% of patients experienced fragmented care due to poor collaboration between providers. Such fragmentation often leads to duplicated tests and procedures, ultimately increasing healthcare costs.
This ineffective collaboration not only affects the productivity and success of various professional settings, but it also has consequences for individuals with learning disabilities. In a society that should foster inclusivity and support, many individuals with learning disabilities are left to live isolated lives, devoid of meaningful connections. In the UK, a staggering two thirds of people with learning disabilities are without any "outside" friends. By fostering a culture that embraces inclusivity and provides necessary support, we can create an environment where people with learning disabilities can form meaningful connections with others. By promoting a culture of inclusivity and support, we can address the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities.
A study conducted by the Learning Disabilities Observatory found that individuals with learning disabilities who had access to community-based support and inclusive environments were more likely to have friendships outside of their immediate social circle.
The Imperative for Healthcare Collaboration
Recognizing the pressing need for change, we advocate for enhanced healthcare collaboration as a solution to alleviate the mounting pressure on our system. Effective collaboration among healthcare professionals, patients, and all stakeholders can drive positive outcomes, enabling cohesive and patient-centered care delivery. By fostering a culture of open communication, interdisciplinary partnerships, and shared decision-making, improved collaboration can lead to increased efficiency, reduced errors, and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Focus also needs to be on the caregivers, as they play a crucial role in providing quality care to individuals in need. However, it is alarming to note that the turnover rate for professional caregivers in the US and UK is as high as 50% and 28.5% respectively. This high turnover not only affects the continuity of care for the recipients but also puts additional strain on the healthcare systems. To address this issue, it is essential to understand the underlying causes leading to such high turnover rates. Factors such as low wages, heavy workload, lack of career advancement opportunities, and limited support and resources can contribute to caregiver burnout and dissatisfaction. Therefore, investing in the well-being and professional development of caregivers is crucial to reduce turnover rates and ensure the provision of high-quality care. High focus on this issue will not only benefit the caregivers but also lead to better outcomes and enhanced experiences for the individuals they care for.
Addressing the Challenges and Reducing the Pressure
To address these challenges and alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system, several strategies can be employed:
Improved Information Sharing: Implementing integrated electronic health record systems and secure communication platforms to facilitate seamless and efficient exchange of information between healthcare providers.
Enhanced Interdisciplinary Communication: Encouraging regular meetings, case conferences, and joint decision-making sessions among healthcare professionals to ensure the exchange of valuable insights and expertise.
Patient Engagement and Education: Empowering patients to actively participate in their care by providing them with tools, resources, and educational materials to better understand their health conditions and make informed decisions.
Strong Leadership and Organizational Support: Establishing strong leadership and fostering a collaborative culture within healthcare organizations to promote teamwork, encourage innovation, and prioritize patient-centered care.
Integrated Care Models: Leveraging integrated care models that bridge the gap between primary care, specialty care, and community services to ensure smooth transitions, continuity of care, and holistic support for patients.
What Pletly Does to Help:
Our brand purpose is deeply rooted in empathy and a commitment to transforming the landscape of care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. We recognize the stark challenges facing these vulnerable individuals - neglect, caregiver burnout, and a lack of effective communication and collaboration.
Our mission is clear. We aim to bridge the gap between all circles of care, fostering a world where quality care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status or the complexity of their needs. We aspire not only to improve the lives of those receiving care but also the well-being of family and professional caregivers.
Pletly collaborates with residential care homes, schools, and families, crafting a care management platform that empowers quality care in an underserved market. Our brand purpose guides us every day, motivating us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Sources:
A family guide to the SEND system in England, together for short lives
National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, AHRQ 2021
Improving health and lives: The Learning Disabilities Public Health Observatory, Emerson et al
The Impact of High Turnover on the UK Care Sector, Richmond