Interdisciplinary Teams

The other day, at about four o’clock in the morning, I found myself sitting in the emergency room with a loved one. I would like to be able to say this is a rare occurrence, but in the past few years I have found myself in this situation many times. Each time I have experienced health care from the perspective of a family member. This time, however, I found myself being much more aware of the importance of interdisciplinary teams in health care. I am not sure if it is because of my nursing leadership course or if it is a result of something else, but this time I understood profound impact that a positive team can have on patient care.

According to Huber, interdisciplinary teams are “essential to an organization’s efficiency and effectiveness because collaboration and teamwork are essential to achieving high-quality work outcomes and cost control” (2010). Patient needs are increasingly complex and successful outcomes are dependent on interdisciplinary communication. Characteristics of a effective interdiscplinary team include:

• Communication Skills: both verbal and written
• Mutual Respect: between, and within, each discipline
• A common goal: patient centered care
• Effective conflict resolution
   

Nursing is in a unique position to provide profound leadership in this area. As the “eyes and ears” of the patient, we have the opportunity to communicate the needs of the patient and facilitate appropriate action.

“Nurse leaders need to learn how to manage in a team-centered environment; staff nurses must learn how to be effective team players” (Huber, 2010, p226)

After hours in the emergency room, my loved was admitted to a hospital unit. Our greatest needs were not what would have been expected. Our nurse was able to utilize her communication skills to not only hear our needs, but to facilitate an appropriate course of action from the interdisciplinary team, leaving a profound and lasting impact. This nurse understood the importance of communication, working as a team, and being a leader in her role. As I strive to become a leader in my role, and hone my communication skills, I CHALLENGE you to do the same!

Huber, D. (2010). Leadership and nursing care management (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier
Mickan, S. (2000). Characteristics of effective teams: a literature review. Australian Health Review. 23:3. Retrived from: http://www.unc.edu/courses/2008fall/nurs/379/960/65_604078165817-effective_teams.pdf