Interdisciplinary Health Care Model

This conceptual diagram describes one of the central missions of NAP and demonstrates how the integrated delivery model combines the efforts of all 10 health care professions represented by NAP. The components of the circle indicate the areas of professional practice and the linkage of each to the other through a system of internal communications designed to enhance the quality of health care while being cost effective and conserving resources. Policy and research issues may also be addressed using this model.

The overlapping colors in each circle define areas for consultation, collaboration, and referral among providers.

The outside ten circles are the independent areas where the practitioner delivers health care services totally within the scope of his/her clinical practice without involving other professions. The overlap of the circles represents the common areas of consultation and management of the patient between two professions. The "interlapping" of three circles indicates that the crossover of care is occurring among three professionals involved in consultation with each other.

The inner circle is the area showing that a patient or client can go to several or all professions for consultation, collaboration and treatment. Some conditions may require coordinated care from all professions represented.

Common the all patients and professions are the areas of policy, research and programs addressed by NAP.