What is an example of interprofessional collaboration in practice?

• A. A PT consults with the OT, and they jointly plan to address mobility and ADLs in inpatient rehab
• B. A PT works independently without input from other professionals
• C. An OT makes all decisions without consultation
• D. A nurse handles discharge planning alone

Answer: (B)

Interprofessional collaboration means professionals from different disciplines actively working together with the patient, sharing information, and making joint decisions to create a coordinated care plan. In inpatient rehab, addressing mobility and activities of daily living effectively requires both physical therapy and occupational therapy expertise. When a physical therapist consults with the occupational therapist and they jointly plan to address mobility and ADLs, they bring complementary skills, align on goals, and build a single, cohesive plan that guides the patient’s progress. This shared decision-making and coordinated effort exemplify collaboration, leading to clearer roles, safer transitions, and better functional outcomes for the patient.

The other scenarios show care conducted in silos or with unilateral decision-making, which lacks the teamwork and information exchange that collaboration relies on.