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Transdisciplinary Teamwork: The Experience of Clinicians at a Functional Restoration Program

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Abstract

Introduction This research explored the experience of clinicians during the transition from working as an interdisciplinary team to providing a transdisciplinary model of care in a functional restoration program (FRP) for clients with chronic disabling musculoskeletal pain. Methods This qualitative study used a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. In depth interviews were conducted to gather data and analysis was performed by the coding of emergent themes. Results Three major themes were identified that contributed towards building a successful transdisciplinary team: the client population; opportunities for communication with colleagues; and an organizational structure that supports transdisciplinary teamwork. Conclusions Transdisciplinary teams with multiple health care providers are suitable for treating patients with complex needs and with injuries that are chronic in nature. However, transdisciplinary teamwork requires input from an organizational level and from a communication level to effectively contribute to both clinician satisfaction and to improved coordination in patient care.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all interview participants involved in the study. The study was funded by a Centre of Research Expertise in Improved Disability Outcomes [CREIDO] pilot study grant.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Correspondence to Sophie Soklaridis.

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Cartmill, C., Soklaridis, S. & David Cassidy, J. Transdisciplinary Teamwork: The Experience of Clinicians at a Functional Restoration Program. J Occup Rehabil 21, 1–8 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-010-9247-3

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