Overview
This paper identifies the ten core principles and competencies underpinning effective interdisciplinary teamwork in healthcare, based on systematic literature review and qualitative data from UK community rehab teams. It offers a validated, practical framework for teams to assess and develop their interdisciplinary functioning.
Key Drivers and Context
- Interdisciplinary teams are growing in importance due to complex patient needs and policy shifts.
- Common terminology includes interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and multidisciplinary, with varying degrees of role integration.
- Effective team work impacts staff satisfaction, patient outcomes, quality of care, and organisational effectiveness.
Methodology
- Combined a systematic review (quantitative and qualitative studies) with data from 253 staff across 11 UK community rehab teams.
- Thematic content analysis triangulated literature findings, team perspectives, and challenges.
Ten Characteristics of Good Interdisciplinary Teams
- Positive leadership and management with clear direction, support, and democratic principles.
- Effective communication strategies and supportive structures to ensure information flow and collaborative decision-making.
- Ongoing personal rewards, training, and development opportunities for team members.
- Access to appropriate resources, clear procedures, and efficient systems supporting the team's objectives.
- A mix of staff with complementary skills, experience, and personalities for comprehensive patient care.
- Supportive team climate fostering trust, mutual respect, and a positive culture.
- Individual characteristics such as initiative, openness to learning, and self-awareness.
- Clarity of vision, shared values, and consistent external image for direction and unity.
- Focus on quality and outcomes of care, using feedback and data to drive improvements.
- Respect for and understanding of each team member's role, joint working, and autonomy.
Competency Framework for Teams
- Teams should have clear leadership, shared vision, and consistent values.
- Foster a culture of trust, consensus, and interprofessional respect.
- Maintain infrastructures that support communication and coordinated care.
- Ensure patient-centered service delivery and documented outcomes.
- Staff recruitment focuses on both professional skills and interpersonal competencies.
- Invest regularly in team development and maintenance activities.
Limitations and Future Needs
- Most evidence reflects non-hierarchical, community-based teams; further validation is needed for other settings.
- The relationship between team characteristics (e.g., leadership and vision) needs more research.
- Time for team development is essential but often undervalued in service planning and cost-effectiveness studies.
Recommendations / Advice
- Use the ten characteristics as a framework to assess and improve interdisciplinary team effectiveness.
- Regularly reflect on and invest in team processes, not just outcomes.
- Adapt the framework to local contexts while maintaining core principles for team excellence.