Implementing an integrated system of primary and community care built on team-based care is a key priority in British Columbia.
Team-based care is a primary care model that involves comprehensive, coordinated and integrated care. It can be defined as “multiple health care providers from different professional backgrounds work[ing] together and with patients/clients, families, caregivers and communities to deliver comprehensive health services across care settings.
Effective teamwork is a critical enabler of safe, high-quality care and supports a patient’s ongoing relationship with their primary care provider (a family physician or nurse practitioner).”1
This person- and family-centred model is designed to provide comprehensive shared care through strong, interdisciplinary teams of health care providers. Moving to this integrated system involves a new way of practicing for many health care providers.
The journey towards quality, team-based care with patients and providers as equal partners means sharing and accessing resources, events and opportunities to support everyone along the way.
What Does Team-Based Care Mean to You?
Learn more about your role in team-based care
Your Role as a Patient, Chosen Caregiver and/or Family Member
Patients, chosen caregivers, family members and anyone else who is a part of a patient’s support system have important roles in supporting the transition to team-based care.
Your Role as a Care Provider and/or Team Member
Care providers and team members provide and/or support primary care delivery, and function as equal partners in the delivery of high-quality care for patients.
Your Role as a Planner, Designer and/or Improver
Planners, designers and improvers influence and support high-quality, team-based care without directly delivering care to patients.
1. Ministry of Health, Team-Based Care Policy Draft, 2020 July.