Informatics-enabled interprofessional education and collaborative practice: A framework-driven approach

In the United States there is an urgent need for the development of a healthcare system that addresses the lack of safe, efficient, quality care. Two solutions receiving significant attention include health information technology (HIT) and interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP). To accelerate advancement of HIT-enabled IPECP and improved outcomes, a consortium of more than 346 rural, community and university settings engaged in developing and implementing a framework. This framework bridges the gap between education and practice and leverages intentionally designed automation within multiple HIT systems. The framework, consists of six actionable models that include tools, processes infrastructures, and reflects the intersection of several theories and implementation science. Without intentionally designed HIT and interprofessional approaches to care, automation will have minimal impact on improving health outcomes and perpetuate repetitious care delivery. This paper presents an overview of the framework, replicable, sustainable outcomes and research implications.