Finding common ground? Evaluating an intervention to improve teamwork among primary health-care professionals

• Published in: International journal for quality in health care 2010-12, Vol.22 (6), p.519-524
• Main Authors: Chan, Bibiana C., Perkins, David, Wan, Qing, Zwar, Nick, Daniel, Chris, Crookes, Patrick, Harris, Mark F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Australia; care pathways/disease management; Cooperative Behavior; Disease Management; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Primary Health Care - manpower; Primary Health Care - organization & administration; Primary Health Care - standards; public health; qualitative methods; Qualitative Research; Quality Assurance, Health Care - methods; Quality Assurance, Health Care - organization & administration; quality improvement; shared decision-making
• ISSN: 1353-4505; 1464-3677
• DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzq057

Objective Multidisciplinary care has been shown as the most effective option for chronic disease. The aim of the Team-link study was to assess the effectiveness of an intervention to improve teamwork among general practitioners (GPs), practice staff and allied health professionals (AHPs). This paper describes changes to teamwork using qualitative data collected in the study. Design Qualitative data about changes in internal and external professional collaboration were collected from facilitators’ observations, GPs’ reports and responses to a survey of AHPs assessing multidisciplinary teamwork. Setting Multidisciplinary teams within general practices and external collaborations with AHPs including dietitians, diabetic educators, exercise physiologists, podiatrists, psychologists and physiotherapists. Participants GPs, practice nurses, practice staff, AHPs. Intervention A 6-month intervention consisting of an educational workshop and structured facilitation using specially designed materials, backed up by informal telephone support, was delivered to 26 practices. Main Outcome Measure Data were analysed thematically using an approach based on identifying actors and associated collaborative actions. Results New and enhanced communication pathways were observed between GPs, practice staff, patients and AHPs following the intervention. The enhanced information sharing expedited communication and improved interprofessional collaboration within general practices and with AHPs. There was evidence of increased patient participation and empowerment in the care process and improved collaboration by practice staff and allied health providers. Conclusion The Team-link intervention improved professional collaboration among GPs, practice staff, AHPs and patients, increasing understanding and trust and enhancing multidisciplinary teamwork for chronic disease care in primary care settings.