ALL HANDS ON DECK :
The Power of the
DC / RMT Team
As chiropractors , your clinical decision making is always in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of the patient . That is why so many chiropractors already practice in collaborative settings with colleagues like RMTs and other complementary disciplines .
Collaboration is beneficial for the patient , the health care team , and the health care
system as a whole . The benefits to the patient are numerous and wellknown , including patient engagement , optimized health and wellbeing . Collaboration can also maximize resources and provide a more efficient delivery of care model resulting in an improved access to care .
The benefits of interprofessional collaboration for the practitioners involved can also be compelling and effective . It gives you the opportunity
to learn new skills and approaches to care , understand how the skills and competencies of other providers can complement the care you provide , enhance your own skills and provide safe and coordinated care to your patients .
Both chiropractors and registered massage therapists ( RMTs ) work with their patients to manage pain , prevent injury and improve physical function . The scopes of practice , specific skills and competencies of chiropractors and RMTs are distinct but complementary . Chiropractic can be enhanced with massage therapy , and vice versa . There are positive outcomes for everyone involved when the team understands the role of each clinician , recognizes and respects the separate and shared knowledge and skills and effectively communicates to enhance the consultation and referral process .
One of the challenges of this collaboration is how to build and maintain successful interprofessional relationships . There are many successful examples of chiropractors and RMTs working closely together , and this article includes insights into this relationship and provides tips and tricks to help understand , respect and nurture a successful collaborative environment . The relationship between chiropractic and massage therapy is natural and can be a powerful combination .
When to Collaborate
A collaborative standard of care allows patients to access consistently high quality care and improve care coordination ( for example , from surgery to post-surgical rehabilitation ), resulting in seamless patient care . By providing coordinated and integrated care , patients are able to receive the right care from the right provider and practitioners can work together to focus on the whole person rather than one individual aspect of their illness or injury .
30 SPRING 2017