Interprofessional collaborative practice in obstetrics and midwifery.

As the health care system transforms to accommodate an increased need for primary care services and more patients, new models of health care delivery are needed that can provide quality health care services efficiently. An integrated collaborative practice of certified nurse-midwives, obstetrician-gynecologists, and perinatologists is best suited to meet the rapidly changing needs of the maternity health care delivery system. This article reviews the literature on interprofessional collaborative practice and describes the structure, function, and essential elements of successful collaboration in health care.