Teamwork Is the Key

In all fields of professions, teamwork is required to achieve a cohesive network and ensure that goals can be achieved efficiently. In healthcare, it is the same. Very often patients will be required to see a number of specialists before the result is known and a suitable plan can be initiated. That is why an effective healthcare team must be productive in collaboration and be able to overcome factors that may inhibit their service.
Different patient circumstances will call for different healthcare professionals, that is why it is very important to understand the patient’s situation (Canadian Health Services Research Foundation). Mickan and Rodger (2000) defined a team as “a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose for which they hold themselves mutually accountable” (p.201). Mickan and Rodger (2000) described eighteen characteristics in their literature review that a team required to be functional and effective. It was evaluated that an effective healthcare must have a clear cut purpose or goal. These goals must be measureable and achievable. Members of the team are usually managed by a leader. The team is expected to adhere to tasks and deliver a tangible contribution. Within the team there is an expected amount of communication, commitment, coordination and knowledge. Communication is a vital characteristic of teamwork; this includes interchanging of information and negotiating tasks. Without appropriate communication team cohesion may diminish. Accurate and timely feedback can also help the team improve their service and target any weaknesses. As a whole, the team should do all within their power to provide the best possible result for patient and the affected family.  
As it has already been explained an effective team requires a number of characteristics. If any of these characteristics lacked then the team would obviously be weaker. A common factor that can also effect the function is group size. If the team...