The primary/secondary interface. Cross-boundary teamwork--missing link for seamless care?

Factors for providing a seamless service are given and it is suggested that more collaborative interactions between organizational groups are needed to achieve this. It is argued that competitive philosophy within the NHS has been prohibitive to seamless care. Elements of the White Paper (DoH, 1997) are discussed in relation to this. Features of a collaborative organization are briefly discussed. Three current 'models' of cross-boundary interaction at the point of patient transfer are discussed. A fourth model involving enhanced inter-sector teamwork with multidisciplinary membership and shared professional, management and patient/carer responsibility is proposed.