The modern healthcare sector has become sophisticated, in turn demanding for complex methods for solving day to day problems. Healthcare involves a number of professionals that could be arguably said to be influenced by one overriding objective, which is, to provide preventive and curative medication to the patient, or intended consumer. This requires the application of both intra and interdisciplinary teams and organisations that necessarily have to work in collaboration for the achievement of the ultimate objective. Intra-disciplinary teams refer to those teams that constitute members of the same specialisation and, therefore, by and large have the same qualifications and knowledge. In the context of nursing, intra-disciplinary teams involves those teams that are made singularly by nurses. These teams perform the same duties and functions towards the delivery of medication to the final consumer, usually the patient. In that light, intra-disciplinary teams are expected to be more cohesive, unitary and smooth in execution of their mandate. This is because of the same or near same understanding among its members. On the other hand, interdisciplinary teams refer to a combination of different professionals in the same team for the delivery of a given task. In this context, an interdisciplinary team would involve not only the nurses, but also the surgeons, physicians, specialists, attendants, among other professionals. It should be noted that this team often involves more general professions in a wider pull for the provision of a joint or related function that requires their collective and complimentary input. In the nursing context, one could perhaps cite the need to provide curative healthcare to an injured patient. The patient needs to see the physician for diagnosis, the nurses for the administration of the specified medication, the pharmacist for the medication and later lie in the hospital for curative purposes under the watchful eyes of the nurses. It is imperative to appreciate that interdisciplinary teams often aim to achieve a specific objective that was rather impossible to be achieved by one team of professionals.
Whether the teams are intra-disciplinary or interdisciplinary, in the execution of their healthcare team objectives and functions, successful and effective communication remains essential. The best method usually involves adopting a communication mechanism that is sensitive and cognizant of the various interests inherent in the personalities involved. Often, the need to apply a communication mechanism that appreciates the diversities within cannot be overlooked. Some alternatives involve using the common professional who interacts with all the disciplines in cases of interdisciplinary or in cases of intra-disciplinary teams a common personality. The need to have flexibility and openness in communication cannot be gainsaid. For effective communication purposes, teams are advised to apply channels that enable communication to assume a dual approach. This means the teams in the communication line can communicate either way. In achieving this, it is essential for the organisation applying the multi-disciplines to have a flatter structure and avoid obstacles in the name of hierarchies. Communication in the healthcare teams can also mirror the professional code of conduct that characterises healthcare professionals. This is to the extent that confidentiality ought to be maintained in the interests the final consumer, otherwise known as the patient.
Intra and interdisciplinary teams often have consequences and effects, one being the empowerment of nurses and patients. The intra-disciplinary team facilitates cohesive delivery which is more effective and coordinated often with less errors and mistakes. The nurses are able to learn among themselves and apply their competencies in a collective nature to the effect that their services are more efficient and complimentary. This has the effects of boosting the quality of delivery to the patient who becomes the beneficiary of such an intra-disciplinary approach. On the other hand, the nurses’ acumen, experience and competencies are enriched and embellished by the additional contribution and complimentary services of fellow nurses. The interdisciplinary team approach is often more pronounced in terms of its empowerment to nurses and patients. For the latter, they are the final consumers and beneficiaries of a collective and effective delivery of healthcare services. They benefit in that the delivery is more sophisticated, less susceptible to errors and incorporates knowledge acquired across board. This more informed and professional delivery is rich in content and excellence. It best addresses the patient’s needs. On the other hand, interdisciplinary teams enables nurses compliment for their professional limitations. Often, instances may occur where the nurses’ scope is exceeded. An interdisciplinary team would facilitate learning opportunities for the nurse, facilitate coordination and solution of professional lapses. This has the final consequence of reflecting positively on the delivery of the nurse as a professional.
At the end of the day, the intra and interdisciplinary teams facilitates the professional development of a nurse. The nurse is able to learn, apply and experience various competencies relevant to the nursing profession and by extension the healthcare sector. The cohesive and joint execution of mandates incorporates in the nurse the team building and working skills that would be essential in the workplace. It also enables the nurse cover for her professional limitations by learning new approaches from other professions. Finally it lays ground for the future development of the nursing profession. This is because of the multi-skilling opportunities it provides for the nurse. The nurse acquires a number of skills during the course of an interdisciplinary team work that serve to enhance her overall contribution to the healthcare sector.
The inclusive nature of both intra and interdisciplinary teams provides a place for the patient. It is worth noting that in both cases, the patient is often the final consumer of the service. The objective is for the patient to receive healthcare for preventive or curative purposes. The teams cannot, therefore, envision scenarios where patients have no roles. It should be illustrative that patients serve as the ground for analysis or rather postulate the results of the team. The progress of the patient and the recuperation is what informs the success or failure of the teams. In interdisciplinary teams, this fact is more pronounced. This often is because the patient experiences services from different professionals and would be logically tempted to rank the performance on a professional to professional basis. It would be essential for purposes of success, for the professional involved to deliver excellent service. This is since the patient as the consumer of the service would reveal his appreciation of various services usually upon the collection of feedback. In addition, the patient stands between the success and failure of the professionals for the outcome as reflected in the patient is what informs the success or failure. This alone illustrates the crucial role the patient plays in intra and interdisciplinary teams.
References
Bainbridge, L., & Nasmith, L. (2011). Inter and Intra-Professional Collaborative Patient-Centred Care in Postgraduate Medical Education. Members of the FMEC PG consortium.
Hawkins, J. W., & Haggerty, L. A. (2007). Diversity in Health Care Research: Strategies for Multisite, Multidisciplinary, and Multicultural Projects. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Orchard, C. A., Curran, V., & Kabene, S. (2005). Creating a Culture for Interdisciplinary Collaborative Professional Practice. School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, 1(1), 1-13.
Pimmer, C., Pachler, N., Nierle, J., & Genewein, U. (2008). Inter- and intradisciplinary learning in consultations. University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW Journal, 2(1), 1-34.
