Understanding the implementation of interprofessional primary care teams: using concept mapping to inform interdisciplinary longitudinal studies

Interprofessional teams in primary care are vital for enhancing health outcomes, professional satisfaction, and equitable access to health services. However, the longitudinal evolution of high-performing teams remains underexplored, requiring interdisciplinary research. Preliminary mapping and operationalization of key constructs are recommended prior to conducting such research. This article outlines the development of the Optimizing Teams for Interprofessional Care in Primary Health Care (OPTIC-PHC) conceptual framework by a Canadian multidisciplinary research team. The objective of developing this framework is to guide a pan-Canadian longitudinal study on interprofessional primary care team evolution, defining key constructs to streamline research efforts. The participatory, multi-stage group concept mapping exercise involved 14 meetings with 30 researchers and policymakers across six steps: defining the focus questions; brainstorming and identifying concepts; constructing a preliminary map; initial team revision; identifying cross-links and developing the framework; and final framework revision. The framework comprises 19 concepts organized into 6 domains: 1) patient and community partnership and engagement; 2) individual perspectives, values, and beliefs; 3) team structure and organizational factors; 4) team collaboration and communication; 5) aligning with patient and community needs, and 6) external context. These concepts and domains delineate structural elements and processes to study in multidisciplinary longitudinal research to understand what drives IPCTs' evolution to meet patient and community needs over time. It serves as an initial tool for researchers studying IPCTs and teams that aim to advance IPCT models. Engagement of patients and caregivers can help refine the framework, ensuring its relevance and strengthening measurement strategies.