Perceptions of interprofessional collaboration with integrated behavioral health providers in a family medicine clinic: Insights from residents, physicians, and pharmacists

Background: A growing number of health systems in the United States have integrated behavioral health team members to expand their capabilities and clinical effectiveness. Purpose: To explore perceptions of interprofessional collaboration with integrated behavioral health providers among family medicine residents (FMR), family medicine faculty, and pharmacists (faculty/residents). Method: An exploratory descriptive study was conducted in which five, 60-min focus groups were used to articulate perceptions of professional roles and team-based care in an interprofessional family medicine community-based clinical practice. Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) interprofessional team-based practice: the influence of communication, collaboration, and colocation; (2) care delivery system processes: success and breakdown; and (3) commitment to holistic care practices. These findings suggest how FMR education can be improved to prepare learners for patient-centered, team-based collaborative practice with integrated behavioral health providers. Conclusion: Integrating behavioral health in a family medicine clinical learning environment empowers physicians to better problem solve and provide enhanced patient care.