The importance of teamwork in healthcare

With an ageing population and shortages in health workforce supply, teamwork and collaboration is more important than ever as healthcare teams need to collaborate and support each other to meet these evolving demands.

Whether it be in emergency rooms, general practices, community settings or government agencies, teamwork plays an indispensable role as healthcare professionals in teams must collaborate and work together to achieve the best outcomes.

So, what does good teamwork look like in healthcare and what are the essential teamwork skills? The article will explore these topics, the benefits of teamwork and showcase some teamwork in healthcare examples.

What is effective teamwork in healthcare?

Effective teamwork is when team members are able to communicate openly with one another, support each other and work collaboratively towards a common vision.

While effective teamwork can take many forms, most have key similarities. Here are some common characteristics of effective teams in healthcare:

• Clear and open communication

While clear and open communication is the foundation of teamwork in any setting, it’s especially important in healthcare. When individuals within the team convey information that is timely, accurate and honest, it helps with ensuring patient and client safety and continuity of care.

In addition, open communication also helps foster trust and mutual support, reduce misunderstandings and create an environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions and addressing issues.

• Defined roles and responsibilities

While there may be some overlap in roles and responsibilities, especially within a healthcare setting, having clear expectations of each team member’s functions and duties can help prevent duplication of tasks, allowing each team member to focus on their specific expertise.

Other than streamlining workflow, defined roles and responsibilities also allows individuals to have a clearer understanding of the value and purpose of their role and how it contributes to the overall success of the team. This helps with fostering mutual respect and collaboration among team members.

• Strong leadership

The team leader plays a vital role in coaching, guiding and motivating the team as well as creating and maintaining an environment that’s collaborative and respectful.

By setting expectations, facilitating open communication and providing clear direction, a strong leader can help with strengthening the overall cohesiveness of the team, improve team outcomes, build team skills and ensure that everyone is working towards the same shared goal.

• Having a shared purpose

A shared purpose is a critical component of working together as an effective team. When each member aligns their efforts towards a shared purpose or goal such as achieving the best possible patient or client outcomes, it fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Having a shared mission or purpose also encourages engagement as team members are able to see how their role plays a part in contributing to a shared mission, making them more likely to invest energy and passion into their work.

• Mutual respect and trust

Mutual trust and respect is a core component of effective teamwork in healthcare. Respecting, recognising and valuing each team member’s contributions regardless of their role helps to build a collaborative environment where everyone feels appreciated and motivated to work together.

In a fast-paced healthcare environment where decisions often need to be made quickly, trust allows team members to rely on one another with confidence. An environment of mutual respect and trust also creates a space where team members feel safe to speak up, express concerns and share insights.

• Flexibility and adaptability

Effective teamwork in healthcare requires flexibility and adaptability as team members must be prepared to adjust roles, shift priorities and respond to changing patient and client needs.

This adaptability is especially essential in scenarios such as unexpected shifts in patient or client requirements or emergency care where team members must coordinate efforts and flexibly respond to changing demands.

Why is effective teamwork in healthcare important?

Here are some ways effective teamwork shapes the work environment and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals as well as the overall wellbeing of patients and clients:

• Foundational to patient and client safety and care

Multidisciplinary teamwork in healthcare is fundamental to minimising errors and ensuring patient and client safety. According to research by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare, a substantial number of preventable adverse medical events have been underpinned by failures in communication and teamwork.

The report highlights that communication and coordination of care have been consistently raised as key issues in case reports and lessons learned from coroner’s investigations into preventable deaths in acute hospital and community settings.

A survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics also reported that for patients who saw three or more health professionals for the same condition, 13 per cent reported issues caused by a lack of communication between healthcare professionals.

On the other hand, when an effective team communicates, collaborates and shares information, it yields positive results such as improved patient and client care, safety and outcomes.

• Creates a structured and high-functioning environment

Healthcare professionals often interact and communicate in a high-pressure environment that is fast-paced and complex. This complexity can result in miscommunication, errors and fragmented care.

With effective teamwork, however, there’s an organised structure as each team member has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This smooth coordination reduces redundancies, increases efficiency and also results in organisational benefits such as better accessibility for patients and clients along with reduced cost.

• Cultivates a supportive work culture

Effective teamwork creates an environment of mutual respect and support, which is key to reducing burnout and retaining skilled healthcare professionals. In a supportive environment, team members feel valued and motivated, promoting open communication and encouraging ongoing feedback and learning.

This positive work culture also enables healthcare professionals to share responsibilities and manage stress more effectively. This, in turn, enhances overall job satisfaction which impacts job retention, team performance and patient and client care quality.

Benefits of teamwork in healthcare

There are numerous benefits of teamwork in healthcare for patients and clients, the individual team member and the healthcare system as a whole. Some of the benefits include:

• Improved patient experience and outcomes

Successful teamwork in healthcare is vital for ensuring improved high-quality patient and client outcomes. A study conducted by Edith Cowan University found that teamwork and structured communication among healthcare professionals significantly reduced medical errors, leading to greater patient satisfaction and enhanced overall outcomes.

In addition, patients and clients who experienced coordinated, respectful and efficient care where individual team members are aligned in prioritising their needs, values and preferences were also more likely to feel satisfied with their treatment or service.

• Reduces burnout and boosts job satisfaction

Good teamwork often results in a positive and supportive work culture where team members are comfortable sharing their concerns and asking for help when they’re feeling overwhelmed, significantly lowering stress and mitigating burnout risks.

Feeling part of a cohesive team can also boost job satisfaction as it makes the workplace more fulfilling and enjoyable, reduces isolation and encourages collaborative problem-solving.

• Promotes efficient use of resources and time

A well-coordinated team can allocate resources more effectively, avoiding multiple individuals spending time on the same task and minimising wasted time. This division of labour increases efficiency for the healthcare organisation and helps with ensuring that all aspects of patient care are promptly addressed.

This is particularly valuable in high-demand settings such as emergency care where efficient resource allocation is key.

• Opportunity for professional development

Working in a team environment offers opportunities for professional development. As team members work with colleagues from various specialities, they are exposed to different skill sets and practices which can promote ongoing learning and skills development, improving team performance outcomes.

For instance, physiotherapists may collaborate with occupational therapists in a multidisciplinary team to manage the care of a patient. While doing so, they may learn new techniques that could assist them with their current role.

Another instance could be in public health where a health educator may be working alongside epidemiologists and health policy analysts to design and implement health programs. By collaborating on projects, the health educator may develop new skills and gain further insight into data analysis and policy implications.

• Increased resilience in crisis situations

A team that works well together also builds resilience. Not only are they better able to endure the pressures of the field, but they can also thrive in adverse situations and provide high-quality care to patients and clients, even in tough times.

As a resilient team trusts each other, communicates openly and are comfortable leaning on one another for support, they are better equipped to handle crisis situations such as an emergency or pandemic.

Examples of teamwork skills for healthcare workers

1. Communication

   In healthcare, effective communication is fundamental to ensure everyone on the team is on the same page when it comes to patient care plans and procedures. Clear communication minimises errors and ensures that all team members are aligned on patient needs.
   
   Communication is critical in scenarios such as shift changes in a hospital. It is the responsibility of the team to communicate clear and accurate information on a patient’s case along with whether there have been changes in their condition to the next team.
   
   It is also important in a social work setting where communication is essential for coordinating care. For example, when helping a family that is working with both mental health and child welfare services, it is important that the social worker is providing clear and comprehensive updates to the therapists and school counsellors that are also working on the case.

2. Active listening

   Active listening is a skill that is vital in a collaborative environment as it ensures that each team member’s thoughts are considered. When individuals are actively listening, they are focusing on what the other person is saying and responding and reflecting on what’s being said.
   
   In a healthcare setting where there can be multiple healthcare providers working on the same project, client or case,active listening is essential to ensure that everyone’s thoughts and concerns are heard so that the best outcomes are achieved.

3. Adaptability and flexibility

   As healthcare environments are dynamic, healthcare professionals often need to adjust their roles or take on responsibilities in response to changing patient or clients needs or unexpected emergencies.
   
   For example, if there is an unexpected increase in patients in the emergency department, a nurse working in a different department may have to step in to support the team.
   
   Another example could be a social worker having to adapt to changing circumstances such as clients suddenly requiring urgent housing assistance due to a recent crisis. In that situation, the social worker would need to adjust their schedule and work with other team members such as case managers and community support workers to assist with the client’s needs.

4. Conflict resolution

   In healthcare, differing opinions on patient care or treatment approaches can arise, making conflict resolution skills essential. Effectively managing and resolving conflicts prevents disruptions to patient care and workflow, promoting a positive work environment.
   
   For example, if two healthcare professionals are disagreeing on a patient’s or client’s treatment plan, the way a project should be executed or how resources should be allocated, rather than letting the disagreement affect patient care or workflow, both parties can decide to openly share their concerns, listen to each other’s rationale and discuss possible compromises.

5. Empathy and respect

   It is important that team members not only respect one another but do their best to understand each other’s perspective, even if they may not agree. Not only can empathy improve communication but it can also assist with conflict resolution and build stronger relationships.
   
   An example of empathy in healthcare could be a team member offering support and understanding after seeing that a fellow colleague seems overwhelmed after a patient interaction. Instead of focusing solely on their own tasks, the team member takes a moment to listen and ask if they require any assistance.
   
   Another example could be a team member empathising and actively listening to a colleague who is struggling with a current project or case workload. Instead of just dismissing their emotions, the team member actively listens and offers support, asking if there’s anything specific they can do to lighten the load.

6. Open-mindedness

   Open-mindedness is a vital teamwork skill to have as it encourages team members to consider diverse perspectives, embrace new ideas and adapt. In addition, open-mindedness also helps with creating a safer and more inclusive workplace.
   
   With different healthcare professionals working together in a healthcare setting, it’s important for team members to keep an open-mind and listen to different perspectives. Doing so could lead to improved processes and positive outcomes.

7. Accountability

   Accountability means taking responsibility for one’s actions or mistakes instead of blaming someone or something else. Being accountable can help with smoother workflows within the workplace and is vital in a collaborative healthcare setting.
   
   For example, if a nurse had forgotten to communicate with the doctor about a change in the patient’s health condition, being accountable for their oversight can help to ensure the patient’s continuity of care.
   
   Another example could be a public health outreach team member realising they missed a deadline for an upcoming health campaign that could impact its effectiveness. Instead of shifting blame, the team member takes accountability by immediately notifying the rest of the team so that they can work together to resolve the issue.

How to improve your teamwork skills as a healthcare professional

Pursuing a postgraduate healthcare course can be a great way to strengthen your teamwork skills and advance your career. Here are some online courses offered by our university partners that have units with a focus on teamwork and collaboration.

James Cook University - Nursing majoring in leadership and management (Graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master’s degree)

This particular degree consists of units with a teamwork element. These units include:

• Leading and Managing in Health which explores relevant communication skills that can be applied to leading and managing teams in the healthcare context.
• Persuasive Communication where students learn the essential knowledge and skills to communicate effectively across a diverse range of mediums and within a team.

University of Technology Sydney - Advanced nursing (Graduate certificate or master’s degree)

Some of the units which have a focus on teamwork and collaboration include:

• Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration where students will consider the roles and accountability of the nurse in communicating and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team.
• Improving Safety and Quality in Healthcare where students will learn team training through team-based, personal and interpersonal skills.

Southern Cross University - Healthcare leadership (Graduate certificate or master’s degree)

The healthcare leadership degree helps prepare students in planning for, responding to and managing change in the busy and complex healthcare environment. Units that have a teamwork component include:

• Contemporary Health Leadership where students will learn how to understand and accept individual differences and develop teamwork and healthcare leadership skills.
• Social and Emotional Competence in the Workplace where students will implement models of social and emotional intelligence to foster a team climate.

Southern Cross University - Master of Business Administration (Health Services Management)

Some units with a teamwork element include:

• Project Management Principles where students will learn how to plan and manage projects within a team.
• Organisational Behaviour where students will critically evaluate the characteristics of effective workplace teams and learn more about understanding and managing inter-group dynamics.

Developing teamwork skills in healthcare

If you’re looking to take the next step in improving your teamwork skills, GlobalHealth Education can help.

Select a course from above and enquire to connect with a Student Enrolment Advisor who can help you learn more about the different courses offered by our university partners and how they can help you further develop your teamwork skills. Courses are also available in a variety of disciplines ranging from nursing to public health, psychology and leadership.