14 - Collaboration with other professionals: in and outside health care

Summary

There are a number of professionals who are not regular members of the health care team, or who are not health professionals themselves, but who are vitally important for optimal and safe patient care. Often these are the professionals whose roles are poorly understood and whose full repertoire of skills is under-utilised. In this chapter we explore the role of some of these: specifically the pharmacist, the teacher, the police officer and the social worker.

Reflection point

Which of these professionals would you recognise as part of your team – possibly a temporary member? Think of interactions with any of these people: what went well and why; what could have been done differently to improve the situation. Do you have a good understanding of their scope of practice? What do you immediately think of if asked to suggest their values?

Alan the pharmacist

Alan Goodacre has recently taken over the running of the local pharmacy. The shop is part of a large national franchise and sells the usual cosmetics and toiletries as well as over the counter (OTC) medication. Alan qualified 10 years ago and has worked in both hospital and community settings since he received his degree. He is keen to establish a good working relationship with the general practices whose patients come to him for their medicine to be dispensed. In the last few weeks he has made appointments with the practice managers and some of the doctors at several clinics. Some have made him feel very welcome, while others have appeared rushed and almost rude.