8th Annual Association for Bariatric Endoscopy (ABE) Meeting: Practical Approaches to Treating Obesity and Related Comorbidities| May 2023 ABEANN2023-Playing Well in the Sandbox-Optimizing Gastroenterology and Surgery Collaboration

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In this article, the authors discuss the importance of collaboration between gastroenterology and surgery in the field of healthcare. They highlight the historical competition between these specialties and the emergence of regulated specialty identities. The authors emphasize that poor communication and collaboration among healthcare providers account for a significant portion of healthcare errors. They provide examples of how a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and management of various diseases has resulted in improved outcomes.<br /><br />The authors describe multidisciplinary teams as best practice for optimal patient care, considering factors such as medical advancement, regulatory pressures, and economic factors affecting healthcare. They define collaboration as a dynamic process involving health professionals with complementary backgrounds and skills, working together to assess, plan, and evaluate patient care.<br /><br />The article discusses the factors necessary for successful collaboration, including joint venture, willing participation, shared planning and decision-making, team approach, and shared power based on knowledge and expertise. They point out the imbalance that exists, with the focus still being on individual skill development and accountability rather than teamwork.<br /><br />The benefits of interdisciplinary collaborations are highlighted, such as bringing together different specialties' expertise and perspectives on disease pathologies and interventions. The authors acknowledge barriers to collaboration, such as communication issues, differences in training and professional values, and individual personalities. They suggest strategies for developing good collaboration, including effective communication processes, positive leadership, appropriate skill mix, supportive team climate, and training and development opportunities.<br /><br />The authors specifically discuss opportunities for collaboration in the field of EndoBariatrics, such as primary procedures like gastric balloons and endoscopic sleeves, as well as revisional procedures. They provide examples of collaboration for reflux after sleeve gastrectomy, transoral outlet reduction (TORe) procedures, and EndoSleeves.<br /><br />In conclusion, the authors emphasize that collaboration is essential for improving patient outcomes. They encourage healthcare providers in gastroenterology and surgery to work together for the benefit of the patient.

Asset Subtitle

Salvatore Docimo, DO and Lionel D’Souza, MD

Keywords

collaboration

gastroenterology

surgery

healthcare

specialties

communication

multidisciplinary approach

patient care

interdisciplinary collaborations

EndoBariatrics