The process of interprofessional collaboration in primary healthcare in a telehealth context: perspectives of patients living with chronic disease

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases has increased the demand for primary care systems, particularly in Canada. Due to the increase in demand, implementation of telehealth has accelerated; however, its rapid implementation often lacked adequate infrastructure and patient and provider support. Rather than being a new phenomenon, interprofessional collaboration has long been part of healthcare practices. The growing integration of telehealth is unfolding within a professional culture that is increasingly receptive to collaborative approaches. This qualitative study explores how patients with chronic disease perceive interprofessional collaboration during telehealth consultations in primary care. Using Trebbel’s Journey Mapping approach, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients living with chronic care disease who had experienced telehealth consultations. Although telehealth has improved access to care, patients identified key barriers such as unclear provider roles, limited communication between professionals, and fragmented informational continuity. At the same time, they recognized facilitators regarding the use of telehealth such as improved accessibility and timely contact with care teams. This study provides a patient-informed perspective on how interprofessional collaboration unfolds in the context of telehealth for chronic disease follow-up in primary care. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration processes and addressing patient-identified barriers are crucial steps toward delivering more coordinated, equitable, and effective care for individuals living with chronic disease in a telehealth context.