Reflections from a Newly Established Interprofessional Team: Thematic Insights and Interpretations This poster presents a qualitative study on the formation and experiences of an interprofessional team at a low-cost medical clinic integrating behavioral health services. It highlights the challenges and successes of collaboration among diverse professionals, emphasizing the impact of teamwork on patient care in a resource-limited setting. Key findings include improved patient outcomes and reduced visit frequency due to effective interprofessional collaboration.

Background/Rationale: This study explores the experiences of forming an interprofessional team at a low-cost medical clinic integrating behavioral health services. The team includes diverse professionals such as physicians, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, clinic administrators, a dentist, community health workers, and students from various disciplines. The aim is to understand how these members navigate roles, collaborate across disciplines, and integrate expertise to improve patient care in a resource-limited setting. Description of the Population Sampled: The study involves staff, volunteers, and students participating in the Integrated Behavioral Health program at Healing Hands Healthcare Clinic. The sample size varies monthly as participation is voluntary and can begin or end at any time. Study Design: This is a year-long qualitative study. On the first Monday of each month, eligible individuals receive an email invitation to complete a brief Qualtrics survey, with a reminder sent the following Monday. The survey includes up to five open-ended questions. Procedures and Measures Used to Collect the Data: Participants identify their profession, indicate any formal interprofessional training, answer 1–2 rotating questions, and reflect on successes or challenges from the prior month. Data collection continues through September 2025. Analytic Approach: The study employs thematic analysis to identify key insights from the qualitative data. Early findings highlight challenges such as staffing shortages, patient no-shows, and complex care needs. However, strong teamwork has emerged as a key strength, enabling more comprehensive, coordinated care. Key Results and Conclusions: Despite staffing and resource challenges, interprofessional collaboration supports coordinated care and positive patient outcomes. Team members draw on each other’s strengths to meet complex needs, highlighting the value of teamwork in sustaining integrated care in this underserved setting. Participants report patient improvements and reduced visit frequency as outcomes of effective collaboration.