Teams in Healthcare

Question 1

Why Teams?

Answer 1

We know from our studies of Person Centred Care that patients do not exist in a vacuum.
We are working with the:
* patient/person
* carers, families, friends, and
* communities

Similarly, Health Professionals do not exist in a vacuum.
* Most patients/persons are cared for by multiple practitioners.

Question 2

Teams in healthcare

Answer 2

• A team consists of various healthcare disciplines working
  together to meet the needs of a person/patient.
• The amount of collaboration differs according to the
  circumstances and the resources.
• Communication is at the heart of a highly collaborative and
  effective team.

Question 3

Why do we need Health Care teams? Ageing Population

Answer 3

As the population ages people live long enough to develop: Complex and chronic comorbidities

Chronic (persists over a long time)
Complex (requires integrated management)
Comorbidities (many conditions simultaneously)

• Different professions and skills are needed
• Professions are more specialised

Question 4

The Benefits of Team Healthcare

Answer 4

Government
* Optimise Patient/Person care outcomes
* Economic benefits

Organisations/Systems
* Collaborative work environment
* Retention of staff
* Patient/Person satisfaction
* Patient/Person safety

Question 5

The benefits cont.

Answer 5

Health Professionals
* Job satisfaction
* Develop new skills
* Supportive work environment

Patient/Person & Family/Carers
* Reduced confusion and frustration
* Improved quality and scope of care
* Improved coordination of care

Question 6

The Challenges

Answer 6

• Leadership issues
• Roles assumed in the team
• Knowledge and understanding of each others’ roles
• Scope of practice
• Mutual trust and respect
• Willingness to collaborate
• Communication modalities
• Organisational support