Collaborative practice occurs when healthcare providers work with people from within their own profession, with people outside of their profession and with patients/clients and their families.

Collaborative practice requires a climate of trust and value, where healthcare providers can comfortably turn to each other to ask questions without worrying that they will be seen as unknowledgeable.

When healthcare providers are working collaboratively, they seek common goals and can analyze and address any problems that arise.

Benefits of collaborative practice include:

• Using appropriate language when speaking to other healthcare providers or patients/family.
• Understanding that all healthcare providers contribute to the team or collaborative unit.
• Showing respect and building trust among team members.
• Introducing new members of the team in a way that is welcoming and gives them the information they need in order to be a contributing member.
• Turning to colleagues for answers.
• Supporting each other when mistakes are made, and celebrating together when success is achieved.