Introduction
Interprofessional collaboration is necessary for medical institutions because it promotes successful cooperation and the formation of consensus about the design of care plans and the quality of healthcare. Numerous research in health and social care has substantially enhanced the ability for cooperation and interprofessional collaboration to carry out diverse parts of healthcare procedures (Karam et al., 2018). Teamwork can make a difference in healthcare quality, the practice of medicine, and the persistence of harmful practices and organizations (Anderson et al., 2017). As a result, lack of teamwork is a well-recognized human element that negatively influences interprofessional collaboration and may lead to worse patient outcomes (service users).
Problem
A lack of teamwork impairs interprofessional collaboration and has significant adverse effects, leading to worse patient outcomes. For instance, it results in ineffective communication, the creation of factions, a rise in distrust, and the inability to use current knowledge effectively, hence raising the risk of medical mistakes and decreasing treatment quality. According to the Care Quality Commission (2018), 96 percent of identifiable, preventable, yet medical severe care errors (commonly known as “never events”) in NHS (National Health Service), England, between 2017 and 2018 were caused by human factors, including a lack of teamwork and assertiveness (Dahlke et al., 2018; Cohen et al., 2018). These data suggest that most occurrences in healthcare settings are highly impacted by rigid hierarchical structures, which severely influence team communication methods and cooperative efforts among team members. Consequently, there is a lack of teamwork, which negatively impacts healthcare delivery to patients.
Communication is strained or poor due to a lack of collaboration. Consequently, interprofessional collaboration is injured, and current knowledge cannot be used to attain the desired patient outcomes. Lack of cooperation in organizations, social systems, and relationships leads to poor communication and a disorganized system, and the healthcare system is no exception (Anderson et al., 2021). Another study by Cohen et al. (2020) indicated that the needs of different patients vary, as does the level of cooperation required to carry out their treatment plan. Due to a lack of collaboration in such complicated circumstances, communication gaps develop, hence raising the risk of medical mistakes and reducing the quality of treatment (Caffrey & Munro, 2017). Therefore, a lack of collaboration and teamwork leads to common issues such as strained or inadequate communication, resulting in challenges such as substandard care, medical errors, and avoidable patient deaths (Rosen et al., 2018). Consequently, insufficient, or strained communication harms interprofessional collaboration, hurting healthcare teamwork.
Conclusion
Multiple studies have shown that a culture of underperformance in healthcare systems is intimately linked to a lack of cooperation among healthcare professionals. For instance, in the healthcare system, the absence of interprofessional communication and disregard for the viewpoint of non-clinical workers is one of the critical causes (Rosen et al., 2018). When cooperation is not acknowledged, specialized employees within interprofessional teams are more likely to encounter potential dangers and discrepancies (Dahlke et al., 2018). Contrary to common assumptions, functioning as a (multidisciplinary team) MDT enhances patient care and the quality of life for everyone involved (Kenny & Helpingstine, 2021). The problem needs to be solved because when there is a strong culture of collaboration, patients are happier with the healthcare process/plan, communication is more effective, safety is enhanced, and interprofessional cooperation is more cohesive. Additionally, Hanegraaff and Pritoni (2019) highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive work environment to increase team cohesion, communication, and care delivery. Effectively communicating (multidisciplinary team) MDTs promote patient care teamwork and transparency. It also supports interprofessional collaboration and patient and client safety. Thus, working as a team is critical to the long-term success of a healthcare organization and protection of its patients.
Reference List
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