Strengthening the Partnerships Between Primary Care Clinics and Community-Based Organizations

The Department of Family and Social Medicine (DFSM) at Montefiore Medical Center, the university hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, serves a diverse patient population in the Bronx with complex socioeconomic needs. The department places a strong emphasis on providing a holistic approach in its delivery of primary care services by taking into account the psychosocial context of health. The two primary care clinics within DFSM work with community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide comprehensive care to the community. However, barriers exist to such partnerships, including lack of communication systems and understanding of respective needs. DFSM enlisted a Capstone team to explore challenges to achieving successful partnerships between primary care clinics and CBOs and provide recommendations for strengthening them. The team performed a literature review and conducted interviews with key stakeholders at the two primary care clinics and four select CBOs. The team presented DFSM a report including its findings, recommendations, and a tool to improve communication and enhance partnerships.