Abstract Body

Background and purpose: Team-based primary care providers are beginning to understand that to achieve optimal patient outcomes, patients must be partners in their own care. Currently, there are few guides that empower patients to develop collaborative relationships with the health care team. The Interprofessional Collaborative Relationship Building Model (ICRB) holds promise to guide teams to develop their primary care intra-team relationships. However, it is unknown if the ICRB could also guide and empower patients in developing their relationship with the health care team. This presentation will share the findings of a patient engagement project that aims, to empower patients by modifying the ICRB and suggest resources to accompany the model for patient use in primary care.

Methods: Two researchers, one student, one primary care occupational therapist, and five people with primary care lived experience joined together to form a participatory action research team. After initial team formation activities, the research team used a series of three, two-hour engagement sessions that included web-based presentations, sticky note consensus building exercises, and email communication to explore the ICRB, model modifications, and suggestions for accompanying resources. All sessions were recorded and transcribed to ensure all suggestions were heard.

Results: The research team revised ICRB and made suggestions for accompanying resources that would be helpful for patient use.

Conclusions: The ICRB has the potential to empower patients by preparing them and their families to engage with the primary care healthcare team. Future research is needed to validate the model and utility of the developed resources.