What are some of the challenges or risks of working in a multidisciplinary case management team?

Case management is a collaborative process that involves multiple professionals from different disciplines and backgrounds, such as social workers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and counselors. Working in a multidisciplinary case management team can have many benefits for clients, such as providing comprehensive and holistic care, enhancing communication and coordination, and promoting shared decision making and accountability. However, it can also pose some challenges or risks that need to be addressed and managed effectively. In this article, we will discuss some of these issues and how to overcome them.

1 Role clarity

One of the main challenges of working in a multidisciplinary case management team is to define and understand the roles and responsibilities of each team member. Role clarity is essential for avoiding role confusion, duplication, conflict, or gaps in service delivery. It also helps to establish trust, respect, and mutual support among team members. To achieve role clarity, team members need to communicate regularly, share information and feedback, clarify expectations and boundaries, and negotiate roles and tasks based on their skills, expertise, and availability.

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LaTanya Walton M.A.

Talent Acquisition and Human Resources Supervisor
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This really is where team work comes into place . People have to understand the skills that others bring to the table regardless of their role or title . Collaborating for a common goal is key . All staff is a resources and please use staff wisely .

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2 Ethical dilemmas

Another challenge of working in a multidisciplinary case management team is to deal with ethical dilemmas that may arise from different values, perspectives, or interests of team members or clients. Ethical dilemmas can cause moral distress, disagreement, or tension within the team or between the team and the client. They can also compromise the quality and integrity of the case management process. To resolve ethical dilemmas, team members need to adhere to the ethical principles and standards of their respective professions, as well as the common values and goals of the team. They also need to respect the autonomy, dignity, and rights of the client, and seek informed consent, consultation, or mediation when necessary.

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Meghan Thiel, LMSW

Clinical Social Worker, Associate Program Director & LEO Lecturer
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One of the activities I have my MSW students participate in is to review the Social Work Code of Ethics and compare it to another profession's COE. Sometimes ethical principles or standards are different across professions, which can deepen rifts; it may feel like your team isn't even working toward the same goal! We can also choose to identify values that we share with our interprofessional team members as shared ground for solving ethical dilemmas.

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3 Cultural diversity

A third challenge of working in a multidisciplinary case management team is to respect and appreciate the cultural diversity of team members and clients. Cultural diversity can enrich the team's knowledge, skills, and creativity, but it can also create misunderstanding, bias, or stereotyping. Cultural diversity can affect the team's communication, collaboration, and decision making, as well as the client's preferences, needs, and outcomes. To embrace cultural diversity, team members need to be aware of their own cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and assumptions, and acknowledge and respect the differences and similarities of others. They also need to be culturally competent, sensitive, and responsive to the client's cultural values, norms, and expectations.

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4 Burnout prevention

A final challenge of working in a multidisciplinary case management team is to prevent and cope with burnout. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can result from chronic stress, workload, or emotional demands of the case management work. Burnout can affect the team's performance, morale, and well-being, as well as the client's satisfaction and safety. To prevent and cope with burnout, team members need to practice self-care, such as setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, taking breaks, seeking support, and engaging in healthy activities. They also need to foster a positive team culture, such as recognizing achievements, celebrating successes, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts.

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5 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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Jane Wardell, BA (Hons), MSW, RSW

Social Worker | Psychotherapist
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One thing I have found helpful, is to have presentations on what each discipline can bring to the table in terms of skillsets, knowledge and services. Sometimes, assumptions are made about what each profession is able to do, so acquiring this knowledge is invaluable in building a strong team, avoid misunderstandings and really centre the clients care.

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Sandy Belsher

Registered Nurse, community minded, delivering patient centered care with compassion.
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Management retreats and team building activities used to be so valuable. Are they things of the past now? Getting to know your coworkers, their strengths, their perspective of what is being brought to the table used to be so worthy. Professionalism was still adhered to, boundaries visible and respected. In today's workforce, getting to know a person seems frowned upon. Have we discarded something important in our progress toward ultimate professionalism? I am fortunate to be working in a small staffing environment, where we do know each other. But I wonder how large facilities manage now.

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What are some of the challenges or risks of working in a multidisciplinary case management team?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Role clarity

2 Ethical dilemmas

3 Cultural diversity

4 Burnout prevention

5 Here’s what else to consider

Case Management

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What are some of the challenges or risks of working in a multidisciplinary case management team?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Role clarity

2 Ethical dilemmas

3 Cultural diversity

4 Burnout prevention

5 Here’s what else to consider

Case Management

Rate this article

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