The Impact of Multidisciplinary Allied Health Teams (Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Occupational/Physical Therapy, Ultrasound Technologists, Health Educators, and Health Information Specialists) on Patient Outcomes in Critical Care and Chronic Disease Management: A Systematic Review
Main Article Content
Keywords
multidisciplinary care; allied health professionals; nursing; respiratory therapy; occupational therapy; physical therapy; ultrasound technologists; health educators; health information specialists; critical care; chronic disease management; patient outcomes; systematic review.
Abstract
Background: Multidisciplinary allied health teams have become essential in improving the quality of care for critically ill patients and individuals with chronic diseases. Collaboration among nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational and physical therapists, ultrasound technologists, health educators, and health information specialists enhances care coordination, supports evidence-based practice, and promotes better patient outcomes. Objective: To systematically evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary allied health teams on patient outcomes in critical care and chronic disease management. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library identified studies published between 2015 and 2026. After screening 2,845 records, 58 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using standardized critical appraisal tools. Results: The included studies consistently demonstrated that multidisciplinary allied health teams improved patient outcomes, including reduced hospital and ICU length of stay, lower readmission and complication rates, improved functional recovery, enhanced patient education and self-management, increased adherence to treatment, and higher patient satisfaction. Collaborative care was also associated with improved respiratory outcomes, earlier mobilization, more accurate clinical documentation, and better coordination of care across healthcare settings. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary allied health teams significantly improve clinical and patient-centered outcomes in critical care and chronic disease management. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration and integrating allied health professionals into routine care may further enhance healthcare quality, patient safety, and resource utilization. Further high-quality multicenter studies are needed to strengthen the current evidence.