Functions of Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Teams Discussion
er the last few weeks you have learned about Inpatient and Outpatient Services, Ancillary Services, and Business Operations/Administration. These are all various sectors of an organization. Though they separate divisions of an organization, often it is necessary to build teams using individuals from various departments. For this discussion, you are to:
- Explain the functions of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.
- Discuss characteristics of successful teams.
- Analyze the importance of teams in health care operations and delivery.
reply
Explain the functions of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.
Both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teamwork has been used in the healthcare as a tool to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. However, both are different in terms of approaches, educational research, and among practitioners. Fundamentally, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams differ in collaborative care plans. When it comes to multidisciplinary teams, a cohesive care plan is developed and individuals in the team contribute by providing expertise in line with the individual goal. However, interdisciplinary teams are created in order to share respective expertise to achieve one shared a common goal. One good example is caring for an elderly woman with multi-complex health condition that require the team to discuss different clinical differentials or diagnosis.
Discuss characteristics of successful teams.
According to Nancarrow et al., (2013), a successful team requires “positive leadership and management attributes; communication strategies and structures; personal rewards, training, and development; appropriate resource and procedures; appropriate skill mix; supportive team climate; individual characteristics that support the team; clarity of vision; quality and outcomes of care; and respecting and understanding of roles” (pg. 1). Although all of the 10 characteristics are equally important, but if I was to select at least three, I would choose positive leadership and management attributes, supportive team climate, and clarity of vision.
Individuals in an interdisciplinary team still require leadership in order to prevent any miscommunication because every member on the team has their respective expertise. By showing leadership skills, execution of plans is effectively done. Every contribution matters within the team. Although constructive criticism push people to think outside the box, a supportive team that believes in your idea it highly important. In every goal, there is also a vision or plan in mind. Without a common clear understanding of the vision, members of the team may not be able to succeed in achieving the common goal or vision.
Analyze the importance of teams in health care operations and delivery.
Teams are important in healthcare operations and delivery because it aims to improve patient outcome from collaborative efforts. Also, it reduces the need for longer hospital stays that can be expensive for patients. Teams also prevents redundancy of work (e.g. diagnosis, treatment, and medications), thereby preventing unnecessary expenditure. Through team efforts, members of the team are given the opportunity to thoroughly discuss and suggest appropriate care for the patient.
