Multidisciplinary Collaboration to Enhance Public Health Response: Insights from Nursing, Medical Information, Laboratory, Radiology, and Pharmacy

Abstract

In the current climate of health reform, an intersection of disciplines has been a focus in identifying ways to improve health care, as well as to address specific needs of a patient population. In public health, collaborative efforts are needed to address health disparities, requirements specific to various communities, and emergency care. In the context of public health, each of the medical disciplines, as well as pharmacy and medical information, brings specific strengths concerning knowledge, skills, and abilities. This text describes how a multidisciplinary approach to public health collaboration enhances community health and patient care. Members of a small community-based public health information program, who possess experience in nursing, medical information, radiology, laboratory science, and pharmacy, share insights on successful collaborations. These discussions provide a picture of the processes by which a community-based public health program is able to enhance patient care, engage community members, and address the needs of a pediatric patient population.