MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION IN CARE NETWORKS: THE ROLE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN THE INTEGRATION OF CARE

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration has been recognized as an essential element for the construction of more integrated, problem-solving care networks focused on the needs of patients. This study, based on a systematic review, investigated the main contributions, advances, and challenges related to this topic, using international databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Lilacs. Rigorous search strategies were employed, with controlled descriptors and Boolean operators, ensuring the identification of relevant and methodologically robust studies. The analysis of the results highlighted that collaborative practices are fundamental for the optimization of health services, promoting clearer communication between professionals, personalization of care and increased user satisfaction. The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) has shown particular promise, facilitating interaction between professionals and patients, especially in vulnerable populations, such as adolescents. The promotion of educational practices led by health professionals, such as nurses, was also widely evidenced, being considered strategic to address priority themes, such as breastfeeding and active aging. Another highlight was the relevance of social participation, associated with quaternary prevention, to ensure ethical, less invasive practices centered on the real needs of users. The integration between teaching and service proved to be an effective strategy to transform professional practices, strengthening the dialogue between academic institutions and health networks. Despite the advances, significant challenges were identified, such as structural and cultural barriers, the hierarchization of teams and the underutilization of specific skills, especially of pharmacists and other professionals with complementary roles in care. Such obstacles limit the full potential of interprofessional collaboration. It is concluded that, in order to overcome these limitations, integrated public policies, innovative approaches and educational strategies that promote the formation of more cohesive and prepared multidisciplinary teams are necessary.