Creating the assumptions of intersectoral collaboration model: opportunities and barriers working with families at social risk in the primary health care system

摘要

The article reveals the assumptions of the intersectoral collaboration model, opportunities and obstacles while working with families at social risk in the primary health care system. An experience and assessment of intersectoral collaboration model in the pilot health care agencies was accomplished carrying out participatory action research. The data were collected in three focus groups, organizing separate groups for each professional group separately. In order to create an intersectoral collaboration model a training programme was conducted for professionals from different sectors: family doctors, nurses and social workers. 30 professionals were involved in training programme. During the trainings, participants gained new knowledge and skills how to work with families at social risk in the intersectoral team. They also formed a positive attitude according to the social risk families and became more aware of the different sectors activities and functions, which can support to solve complex cases. The results from focus groups and gained experience from the trainings helped to distinguish the basic principles of the intersectoral collaboration model. However, not all participants from the training group tried to implement model in the practice. It was influenced by participants` internal and agencies` external factors. For the majority of the training participants two days of trainings were not enough, in case to acquire sufficient knowledge how to work with complex cases in the intersectoral team. The implementation of the intersectoral collaboration model in the agencies was complicated due a fact that in the trainings was involved only one team (2–3 professionals) from one agency. As they return to work, they felt that colleagues do not understand them and do not try to implement model together. Based on the focus group results after the trainings, the recommendations for implementation of the intersectoral collaboration model are given for professionals, who are working with families at social risk in the primary health care sector.