Stakeholders’ perspectives on innovative models of interprofessional collaboration in community-based care

Background: Health care systems in Europe and beyond face three major, interrelated challenges: an ageing population, an increasing prevalence of chronic illness and multimorbidity, and an increasing shortage of health care professionals. Innovative models of interprofessional collaboration in the community-based care of older people may offer new approaches towards these challenges. Aim: This qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of different stakeholders on current challenges in the community-based care of older people. Furthermore, it explores the feasibility and acceptance of innovative models of interprofessional collaboration in community-based care in a Swiss context. Method: Focus groups with senior citizens (n = 5), physio- and occupational therapists (n=4), community nurses (n=6) and other stakeholders from the fields of community health and social care (n=6) were held. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with general practitioners (n=2) and stakeholders from politics (n=1) and experts involved in the development and implementation of innovative models of interprofessional collaboration in community-based care (n=2) were conducted. The data was analysed using qualitative methods. Results/Discussion: The results show a general awareness of challenges in the health care system, an openness towards innovative models and a basic willingness for change and increased collaboration in health and social care. Senior citizens feel that health care providers often do not have sufficient time for them. Professionals cite a lack of care coordination, including coordination between health care, informal care and social care sectors