Interdisciplinary Team Approach to Clinical Care

Abstract

The interdisciplinary team approach in health care settings is widely recognized as an important factor in providing quality patient care. This approach is supported by a growing research evidence that demonstrates that team functioning is associated with better patient outcomes, cost savings, reduced hospitalization, improved service provision, and enhanced patient and staff satisfaction. The team approach also helps health professionals with diverse skills to view clients and their families as whole persons, and is consistent with person-centered medicine. Research evidence suggests that these benefits occur because well-functioning teams make good decisions, cope effectively with complex tasks, and are able to coordinate their interventions and expertise. However, despite the growing awareness of potential benefits, many heath care organizations lack effective teamwork, with negative consequences on patient outcomes. The barriers to team approach have been attributed to several factors including professional hierarchy, frequent changes in caregivers, and patient transfers that make coordination and teamwork complicated. Perhaps, an important barrier to team approach is the silo approach and lack of interprofessional education of health professionals. This chapter highlights key issues and concepts of team approach and argues for interprofessional education as a basis for collaborative practice and improved patient outcomes.