What are the best practices for achieving common goals with an interprofessional team?

Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare is the process of working together with different health professionals to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients. It can improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare services, as well as enhance the satisfaction and well-being of both patients and providers. However, interprofessional collaboration is not always easy to achieve, as it requires overcoming various barriers and challenges, such as communication gaps, role confusion, power dynamics, and organizational culture. In this article, we will discuss some of the best practices for achieving common goals with an interprofessional team, based on the principles of interprofessional education and practice.

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1 Define the common goals

The first step to achieving common goals with an interprofessional team is to define them clearly and explicitly. This means identifying the needs and expectations of the patients, their families, and the community, as well as the desired outcomes and indicators of success. The common goals should be aligned with the vision and mission of the organization, and reflect the values and ethics of the different professions. The common goals should also be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

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2 Establish the roles and responsibilities

The second step to achieving common goals with an interprofessional team is to establish the roles and responsibilities of each team member. This means clarifying the scope of practice, the level of authority, the accountability, and the expectations of each profession, as well as the interdependencies and overlaps among them. The roles and responsibilities should be based on the competencies and expertise of each team member, and the needs and preferences of the patients. The roles and responsibilities should also be flexible and adaptable, as they may change depending on the situation and context.

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Aakash Shah

Founder @Wyndly (YCW21) 🏙️
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This aligns with my experience. Roles and responsibilities help everyone know what they need to do: - Clarifies who is responsible for each task or area, reducing duplication of effort - Allows team members to focus on their core competencies and contributions - Promotes efficiency by dividing up work based on individual strengths/expertise - Helps align team activities with overall goals and strategy - Reduces potential for confusion or conflict over responsibilities - Creates structure and organization for how the team will function - Enables accountability through defined expectations for each role

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3 Communicate effectively

The third step to achieving common goals with an interprofessional team is to communicate effectively. This means sharing relevant information, opinions, and feedback with each other, using appropriate language, tone, and mode of communication. It also means listening actively, respectfully, and empathetically to each other, and acknowledging and addressing any misunderstandings or conflicts. Effective communication is essential for building trust, rapport, and mutual understanding among team members, as well as for ensuring patient safety, quality, and satisfaction.

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4 Collaborate efficiently

The fourth step to achieving common goals with an interprofessional team is to collaborate efficiently. This means coordinating and integrating the activities, resources, and processes of each team member, using evidence-based practices, standards, and protocols. It also means delegating and sharing tasks, decisions, and responsibilities, based on the strengths and limitations of each team member. Efficient collaboration is crucial for optimizing the use of time, money, and human resources, as well as for reducing errors, duplication, and waste.

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5 Learn continuously

The fifth step to achieving common goals with an interprofessional team is to learn continuously. This means seeking and providing opportunities for professional development, feedback, and reflection, both individually and collectively. It also means embracing diversity, curiosity, and innovation, and being open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. Continuous learning is vital for enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of each team member, as well as for adapting to the changing needs and demands of the patients and the healthcare system.

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6 Evaluate regularly

The sixth and final step to achieving common goals with an interprofessional team is to evaluate regularly. This means measuring and monitoring the progress, performance, and impact of the team, using valid and reliable data, tools, and methods. It also means celebrating the achievements, recognizing the challenges, and identifying the areas for improvement. Regular evaluation is important for ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of the interprofessional collaboration, as well as for providing feedback and accountability to the patients, the organization, and the society.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best practices for achieving common goals with an interprofessional team?

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1 Define the common goals

2 Establish the roles and responsibilities

3 Communicate effectively

4 Collaborate efficiently

5 Learn continuously

6 Evaluate regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

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What are the best practices for achieving common goals with an interprofessional team?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define the common goals

2 Establish the roles and responsibilities

3 Communicate effectively

4 Collaborate efficiently

5 Learn continuously

6 Evaluate regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Healthcare

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