Benefits of a Multi-disciplinary Team

An experienced physician, Imafidon Thomas Izekor was named the winner of the Provost Hematology Award and the Best Graduating Student in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Lagos. Imafidon Thomas Izekor serves as a family physician at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, where he works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to improve patient outcomes.

Multi-disciplinary healthcare teams consist of professionals from a range of disciplines who work together to provide high-quality healthcare while comprehensively addressing the needs of patients. Although the exact makeup of a multi-disciplinary team can change depending on a patient's needs, they typically include doctors, nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, case managers, and even administrators.

Together, a multi-disciplinary team of professionals can coordinate care that addresses the patient's needs that might be missed otherwise. Each team member brings a different focus and area of expertise to the table, which allows treatment of the entire patient instead of a siloed approach. Moreover, by incorporating a range of professionals, healthcare can be provided more efficiently to the patient while also saving time and money within healthcare organizations. These benefits lead to higher rates of satisfaction among patients as well as healthcare providers.

Patient and Family Centered Care at the Saskatchewan Health Authority

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Health Authority Issues Heat Advisory

A resident of Regina, Canada, in the Saskatchewan region, Imafidon Thomas Izekor, MD is a family physician at the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Here, Dr. Imafidon Thomas Izekor practices family medicine.

In June 2021, the Saskatchewan Health Authority issued a heat advisory and tips to stave off the negative health impacts of the warmer weather. A heat warning is typically issued when the daytime temperatures are 29 degrees Celsius, or higher and nighttime minimum temperatures are 14 degrees Celsius or warmer for two consecutive days.

The advisory came with tips to deal with extremely hot weather, including staying out of the sun during peak times and avoid physical exertion in warm temperatures. Peak times are usually between 11 am and 3 pm. In the event, a person must be outside, wear protective clothing (hat, sunglasses, loose clothing) to protect skin and eyes from the sun.

Staying hydrated is another tip. Drinking a lot of water and taking cool baths can help with keeping the body cool. Furthermore, avoid drinking alcohol, and eat colder foods with high water content (fruits and salads) to stay hydrated.

Family Physicians Play Critical Role

Dr. Imafidon Thomas Izekor, a family physician who earned his degree in medicine from the University of Lagos in Nigeria, provides comprehensive consultant level patient care at the Family Medicine Unit of the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Imafidon Thomas Izekor, MD, maintains his membership with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).

In late April, the CFPC with the Canadian Society for Long-Term Care Medicine (CSLTCM) released the “Joint Position Statement on the Role of Family Physicians in Long-Term Care Homes.” The Family Medicine Professional Profile describes long-term care (LTC) homes as a primary setting where family physicians provide comprehensive patient care.

CFPC and CSLTCM have a long-standing partnership to advocate for system-wide improvements in patient care at LTC homes. The organizations recognized that the Canadian government allocated $3 billion over the next five years to support LTC.

In the position statement, CFPC and CSLTCM provided four courses of action to improve LTC in Canada. First, the national standards for patient care in LTC homes must be fully implemented. Second, there must be full support for family physician leadership, especially in medical director roles. Third, enhanced funding for LTC staff. Fourth, integration of effective and cohesive communication for continuing LTC support.