EICP Research

Research is at the heart of the Enhancing Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Primary Health Care (EICP) Initiative. In fact, the EICP Steering Committee made a commitment up front that its recommendations would be based on the best available evidence.

As a result, the EICP initiative research plan is designed:

• To provide an overview of interdisciplinary collaboration in primary health care in Canada, including a literature review.

• To examine the three core elements that affect interdisciplinary collaboration in primary health care nationally:

  • the policy context

  • individual providers and health service organizations

  • public health and social context

• To provide a business case for interdisciplinary collaboration in primary health care.

• To assess readiness for interdisciplinary collaboration in primary health care in Canada.

• To lead to recommendations to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration in primary health care.

EICP researchers will cast a wide net that will include: an examination of definitions and objectives related to interdisciplinary collaboration; Canadian examples; cost-effectiveness issues; a gap analysis; and the impact of collaboration on patient outcomes.

Within the policy context, the research will focus on primary health care structures, provider payment mechanisms, liability and regulatory frameworks, and overall primary health care reform issues.

The public health and social context will include an examination of population health issues, public access to primary health care services, as well as public perceptions of primary health care.

Finally, an examination of population health issues, public access to primary health care services, as well as public perceptions of primary health care will provide more knowledge in the public health and social context.

Throughout the life of the EICP Initiative, individual providers, health service organizations, and their patients and clients will be asked to provide input about the state of interdisciplinary collaboration in Canada. Through consultations, on-line surveys and focus groups these individuals and groups will provide their insights about quality of life issues, public and professional attitudes and perceptions, job satisfaction, continuing education, and operational/system-wide issues.