Multidisciplinary Team Communication

Multidisciplinary treatment teams are an important part of treatment in many health care settings. These teams are frequently made up of a variety of professions working together to treat patients; therefore, good communication is essential.

Function

• Since poor communication can negatively impact patient treatment, recognizing the challenges to good team communication is important. For example, according to a 2007 study by Aachen University, lack of team commitment leads to poor communication. Other factors negatively affecting good communication include failure to establish clear goals, failure to clearly define roles and lack of respect.

Considerations

• Multidisciplinary treatment team communication problems often arise when members of different professions work together. A team may include doctors, physician's assistants, social workers, nurses, case managers and psychologists. A struggle for status often serves to interrupt teamwork.

Solution

• There are positive things teams can do, however, to improve communication. For example, making an effort to establish trust and understanding among team members and across disciplines and striving for a well-organized, efficient work flow can facilitate communication and contribute to positive treatment outcomes.