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Team Members

Patient

In a collaborative practice, you’re more than an active member of your care team—you’re the very centre of it! The health professionals on your team put you first, and see you as a partner in your health care plans. This means you and your family are included in decisions about your care, and you help define what the right care is for you. 

Health professional helping elderly person

Here are some tips to prepare for your next appointment:

  • Keep a journal of your symptoms.
  • Write down a list of your questions.
  • Be honest about your health concerns.
  • Take notes during your appointment.
  • If you need clarification, ask for it to be written down.
  • Keep an up-to-date list of all your medications.
  • Bring any medical records that you’ve received from other health care providers.
  • Ask if there are other health professionals on the team who you should see. 
  • Schedule your next appointment before you leave.
  • Participating in a virtual (video or phone) appointment with your provider? See these tips on how to prepare for a virtual visit.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are your first point of contact when you have a health concern. Normally, it’s your doctor or nurse practitioner who you’ll see during your appointment at your collaborative family practice. And this is also the person who coordinates your care with other members of the team based on your health care needs.

A family doctor is a physician who specializes in family medicine, and provides comprehensive primary health care in a variety of health care settings
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced knowledge and education in primary health care

Additional team members

Every collaborative family practice team is different, and may include a number of different health professionals. Remember, each member of the team works closely together in order to provide the most relevant, complete, and efficient care for every patient.

Administrative staff are key to the day-to-day operation of a collaborative family practice team
A registered nurse working as part of your collaborative family practice team has additional training in primary health care
A social worker supports patients to find the resources they need for their health and wellness
Registered dietitians offer appointments at the practice for patients to discuss food and nutrition
Some collaborative family practice teams may include a licensed practical nurse
A pharmacist meets with patients about medications that they have been prescribed
Residents and learners may be part of a team while they complete their training to become primary health care professionals

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