The power of collaborative care: a guide to multidisciplinary healthcare teams

Trigger warning: This article covers themes related to perinatal mental health and eating disorders, which may be distressing for some individuals. Reader discretion is advised.

Healthcare delivery can often require a nuanced approach for the best outcomes. Bringing together the combined expertise of various healthcare professionals can offer novel perspectives, specialised skills and comprehensive solutions to your patients and clients.

As a healthcare professional, understanding the benefits of working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team and how to do so effectively is important. Leveraging the skill set of other healthcare experts to complement your clinical knowledge can have a significant benefit to your patients or clients and enhance your role as you provide coordinated care.

This article covers multidisciplinary teams in healthcare, the typical professionals involved and how to make the most of this collaborative environment in your role. You’ll also learn how postgraduate study can equip you with skills to thrive within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

What is a multidisciplinary team in healthcare?

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A multidisciplinary healthcare team is a group of professionals from different disciplines who work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive and tailored care to address a range of patient or client needs. The diverse perspectives and skills that each professional offers can enhance care delivery and outcomes. Each individual can contribute to an overarching treatment plan while maintaining their distinct role and scope of practice.

The aim of a multidisciplinary team in healthcare is to work together to ensure that a patient or client receives the most relevant, effective and person-centred care. The provision of care may occur within a single organisation or may be coordinated amongst a range of healthcare professionals operating as a team with a shared treatment goal for the client or patient.

For example, a patient recovering from a stroke may require comprehensive follow-up care after their initial admission to an emergency department, which addresses their immediate medical needs related to an acute stroke. As they recover, their ongoing care needs may involve visits to their general practitioner (GP), who can coordinate care with other specialised health providers to help with a range of physical, emotional and psychological needs. The GP may organise a referral each to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and psychologist for comprehensive care that promotes optimal recovery.

In this instance, the physiotherapist can address motor function and rehabilitation through exercises, the occupational therapist can help with daily activities, the speech therapist can provide rehabilitative exercises for speech if necessary and a psychologist can support their mental wellbeing. These professionals combine their efforts in a collaborative manner to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient. They share information and work toward common goals, while assessing and treating the patient independently, according to their specific discipline.

Differences between multidisciplinary teams and interdisciplinary team​s

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There are some nuanced and important differences between a multidisciplinary team and an interdisciplinary team in healthcare.

Multidisciplinary teams in healthcare

In this model, healthcare professionals work in parallel to each other and independently with the client or patient toward a common therapeutic goal. Each professional assesses the patient, sets discipline-specific treatment goals and implements their part of the treatment plan. There may be an overseeing professional, such as a primary care practitioner, nurse, doctor or case manager. They may coordinate care, generate referrals and monitor the overall progress of treatment and expected outcomes over a particular timeframe.

In many cases, the most critical or acute needs are addressed first and a step-wise process of intervention delivered by many healthcare professionals is followed. Communication occurs typically in writing through reports and treatment notes that may go back to the overseeing professional who can keep up to date with the patient or client’s needs and make changes if necessary.

Interdisciplinary teams in healthcare

Conversely, an interdisciplinary team approach involves a greater level of collaboration and integrated care. Team members work closely together to establish shared goals and develop a single plan with different professionals playing their part. These teams may work in hospital settings to address acute needs with equal acuity or complexity.

For instance, a patient admitted to a hospital emergency department presenting with stroke symptoms and deterioration may need medical care from many healthcare providers at once. An emergency doctor, along with an acute care nurse, surgeon, imaging specialist and other support staff, would all work cohesively to support each other and the patient in their recovery.

What roles do healthcare professionals play in multidisciplinary teams?

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A multidisciplinary healthcare team can include an array of professionals, each with specific roles and responsibilities. The exact composition of the team depends on the healthcare setting and the health needs of the patient or client.

Here are some examples of professionals who can form part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team and how they can contribute to collaborative care.

Doctors and medical practitioners

Medical practitioners such as doctors, GPs and specialists are typically responsible for diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medication, requesting pathology and other medical tests, overseeing the treatment process and facilitating additional care through different providers. They often play a central coordinating role, guiding teams in decision-making and ensuring the overarching needs of the patient are addressed. Their contribution to a multidisciplinary healthcare team is one of leadership as well as specialised and advanced clinical knowledge.

Nurse practitioners

In certain healthcare settings, such as regional and remote areas or in nurse-led healthcare clinics, nurse practitioners can often be the primary point of contact for patients, outside of the care provided by a GP or other medical staff. Nurse practitioners have a wider scope of practice compared to registered nurses, with the advanced expertise and training to diagnose conditions, administer medications, request and interpret pathology tests and refer patients to other healthcare professionals for comprehensive care.

Registered nurses

Registered nurses provide general nursing care to patients, monitor health progress and play a role in educating patients on their treatment options and care. They play an important intermediary role between patients and doctors or specialists, advocating for appropriate patient care and ensuring patients understand their treatment process and options available to them. Nurses contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary teams as a source of clinical expertise, support and continuity of care for patients in their health and recovery journey.

Allied health professionals

Many different allied health professionals play key roles in multidisciplinary healthcare teams, such as:

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists assess and treat clients with a variety of musculoskeletal concerns. Their role encompasses hands-on therapies, education, exercise prescription and preventative strategies. Physiotherapists can support people who have sustained an acute injury. They can also promote functional movement due to physical disability or illness. In a multidisciplinary care model, a physiotherapist’s role may involve collaborating with doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals, such as sports psychologists and dietitians, to ensure that a client’s physical rehabilitation is well integrated within a broader treatment plan. When movement is restored, the client is better

Pharmacists

The contribution of pharmacists to a multidisciplinary team is primarily in medication management and administration. Pharmacists play an essential role in ensuring the correct dosage, taking into account any contraindications or precautions that are relevant to the patient or client’s unique health history and situation. They work closely with doctors and prescribing practitioners to review medications and offer broad health advice to patients. In some parts of Australia, such as Queensland, pharmacists have a broader practice scope, allowing them to administer medication, deliver vaccines and address minor health issues for patients. Pharmacists broadly support the diagnostic work of other health providers while contributing to safe medication administration.

Occupational therapists

Occupational therapists (OTs) support people in achieving daily tasks in the home, work environment, school and during recreational activities. They can assess a client’s capacity to perform various functions and devise strategies or provide tools to support their independence and quality of life. In a multidisciplinary team, OTs play an important role, supporting the work of other health professionals, such as surgeons, doctors, nurses and allied health providers. They can make recommendations accordingly to promote safe, functional movement for clients when needed.

Speech pathologist

These healthcare professionals assess, diagnose and treat disorders related to communication and oral neuro-motor function. Speech pathologists may support clients of all ages who have experienced developmental speech delays, are recovering from brain injuries or have challenges related to neurological conditions. The work they do is vital in the context of a multidisciplinary team, as they collaborate closely with doctors, nurses, dietitians, occupational therapists and other professionals to ensure that speech, language and oral function are optimised for clients. This can help promote general health and lifestyle outcomes, such as eating well, socialising, mental health and maintaining independence.

Dietitians

Dietitians can provide expert, tailored advice on diet and nutrition, helping to manage non-communicable conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity or food allergies and intolerances. They also play a role in preventative health, providing education to clients on how to eat a nutrient-dense diet to optimise their health. They can work alongside health professionals, including diabetes educators, nurses, doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, counsellors to support a range of clients with various health conditions. These could include recovery from eating disorders, optimising nutrients for athletic performance or diet advice for diabetes management.

Social workers

The role of a social worker varies greatly depending on their workplace, specialised qualifications and client needs. In general, social workers can counsel clients, connect them to helpful resources and support their greater psychosocial and welfare needs. In a hospital setting, they can support patients and families coping with loss or illness and help them navigate the healthcare system. They help ensure the emotional, mental, physical and practical needs of clients are addressed, particularly in complex or sensitive cases. They can coordinate care in a case management role and work collaboratively with nurses, doctors and other health professionals to ensure a client’s essential needs are met. In private practice settings, social workers may collaborate with other mental health professionals and refer clients where necessary for comprehensive care.

Psychologists

Psychologists support clients by assessing and treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma and behavioural issues. As part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, psychologists contribute to integrated care by addressing the psychological components of mental illness and recovery, ensuring that mental and emotional wellbeing are prioritised alongside physical health. In Australia, GPs can use the Medicare-funded Mental Health Care Plan to refer patients to psychologists, enabling access to subsidised sessions for comprehensive assessment, support and treatment of mental health conditions.

Counsellors

Counsellors provide mental and emotional support to clients, as well as tools for coping with life changes, trauma and stress. They provide a supportive environment for people to express their mental health difficulties and offer talk therapy and resilience-building strategies to promote better emotional wellbeing. In a multidisciplinary setting, counsellors complement medical and allied health interventions by addressing the emotional and psychological needs of clients, offering a well-rounded approach to health.

Support staff in multidisciplinary teams

Aside from the spectrum of healthcare professionals that comprise multidisciplinary teams, there are also various support and administrative staff who play a role in the overall success of these care models. Individuals in these roles help coordinate care, support the background administrative processes for practitioners, facilitate communication between professionals and take care of the more generalised patient and client needs. Their contribution is important to multidisciplinary care, as it ensures that professionals can focus on healthcare delivery that is consistent, compassionate and effective.

Quiz: Do you have strong multidisciplinary teamwork skills?

For each question, choose the response that best reflects your usual behaviour or attitude when working in a multidisciplinary team.

1. When working with professionals from other disciplines, I…

A) Regularly seek their input and integrate their perspectives into care plans 

B) Often consider their opinions but mostly focus on my own role

C) Rarely consult others unless absolutely necessary

2. In team meetings, I…

A) Actively contribute and encourage others to share their views

B) Participate when prompted or when my expertise is directly relevant

C) Prefer to stay quiet and focus on my own tasks afterward

3. When disagreements arise within the team, I…

A) Help facilitate discussions to reach a collaborative solution

B) Wait for someone else to resolve the issue

C) Avoid engaging in conflict altogether

4. In communicating and coordinating patient or client care, I…

A) Communicate regularly and clearly with all involved healthcare professionals

B) Communicate occasionally but rely on written notes or reports

C) Work independently and aren’t too bothered about written or verbal communication

5. Regarding respect for others’ expertise, I…

A) Recognise and value the unique skills each professional/discipline brings

B) Acknowledge others’ roles but focus mainly on my professional area

C) Only really care about my role and how it impacts patient or client outcomes

6. When treatment plans change, I…

A) Quickly share updates and discuss implications or the new focus with the care team

B) Inform the most relevant members when I can, but not always the entire team

C) Make adjustments within my scope without consulting others

7. My understanding of other team members’ roles is…

A) Strong, I can explain how each profession contributes to the provision of care

B) Intermediate, I know the basics of others’ roles, but could learn more

C) Limited, I’m unclear about others’ responsibilities and how they contribute

8. Overall, I view teamwork in healthcare as…

A) Essential and valuable for safe, effective and holistic care

B) Useful but sometimes challenging or time-consuming

C) Not as essential as my individual professional expertise

Quiz results

Mostly A’s: You’re a strong and effective team collaborator

You demonstrate strong multidisciplinary teamwork skills and are likely an effective collaborator. Whether you’re in a hospital, private practice or other healthcare setting, you value open communication, mutual respect and shared decision-making, which are key to delivering good quality care. You are naturally effective at building trust across disciplines and understand the importance of creating a supportive, collaborative environment for your colleagues and patients/clients alike. As you continue to model effective teamwork, you’ll likely inspire others to do the same.

Mostly B’s: You’ve got some good teamwork skills

You show good teamwork potential but could strengthen communication and integration across disciplines. Overall, you understand that collaboration is a part of working in healthcare, however, you may tend to focus on your own discipline, especially if you’re lacking confidence or if situations become complex. Remember, you can learn a lot from other’s perspectives and your contributions matter just as much. Seek opportunities to initiate conversations with colleagues or learn more about other disciplines to enhance your knowledge and gain a confidence boost in your ability to collaborate.

Mostly C’s: You may benefit from building your teamwork capabilities

You may prefer working independently and believe that teamwork is a challenge. However, there may be a time where your scope of practice or care you provide is insufficient for your patient or client. Developing your teamwork skills can help foster trust between you and your colleagues and enhance the quality of care delivered. Consider attending meetings to discuss cases, ask questions about others’ roles and find out how they can contribute to meaningful care alongside the care you provide. You may also benefit from upskilling with postgraduate study to develop your multidisciplinary care capabilities.

What are some advantages of working in a multidisciplinary team in healthcare?

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Benefits for patients and clients

• More comprehensive care: Each professional plays a role in caring for a specific aspect of a client or patient’s health. The combined efforts of different experts from a variety of fields mean patients can receive more holistic care to address their physical, psychosocial and broader health needs.
• Improved health outcomes: Research shows that multidisciplinary care leads to better patient outcomes. This is due to the relationship-building that occurs between team members, combined with their expertise, which supports reduced mortality rates and shorter hospital stays in primary care settings.
• Greater empowerment: When individuals are informed about the treatment process and have multiple touchpoints within a team of practitioners, they may be more empowered to engage in their own care. Feeling empowered can help with treatment adherence and improve satisfaction with the level of care they receive.

Benefits for healthcare professionals

• Increased job satisfaction: Observing how your collective efforts and mutual support can lead to shared successes can help foster a sense of purpose in your role. You’ll experience professional rewards as clients or patients improve through teamwork, which helps promote increased job satisfaction.
• Learning and growth opportunities: Multidisciplinary care models help you expand your knowledge base and develop a more holistic understanding of healthcare. As you connect with different healthcare professionals, expand your network and gain exposure to other clinical approaches, you’ll continue to learn and grow in your career.
• Enhanced workplace efficiency: Multidisciplinary teamwork can help streamline treatment processes, support a greater continuity of care and ensure a more efficient allocation of resources. This may be particularly relevant to hospital settings, where the shared responsibility of complex cases requires careful planning and efficient problem-solving.

Multidisciplinary teams at play: examples of how multidisciplinary teams work together in healthcare

Multidisciplinary teams are important for delivering integrated, targeted care for a variety of health concerns. Here are some examples of how multidisciplinary teams work in different healthcare scenarios:

Example 1: Perinatal mental health case

A new mother with a 10-week-old baby visits her local maternal and child health nurse as part of routine care during her postpartum period. She explains to the nurse that she is struggling with her mental health and with adjusting to new parenthood. While she expects some of her mood changes are due to sleep deprivation and generally recovering from childbirth, she is concerned that her mental health is starting to impact her capacity to care for herself and her child. The nurse checks her baby’s health, provides support for breastfeeding and offers general advice on postpartum recovery. She reassures her that her baby is thriving and recommends that she visit her GP to discuss her situation for more targeted support.

At her GP visit, her doctor performs a physical and mental health screening, including a mental health assessment. The doctor determines that an appropriate course of action is to refer her for specialised support with a perinatal psychologist in a private practice setting through a Medicare-funded Mental Health Care Plan. A perinatal psychologist offers counselling and interpersonal therapy tailored to the unique emotional and psychological needs associated with adjusting to motherhood. The psychologist’s practice includes allied health practitioners, such as social workers, dietitians and women’s health physiotherapists. In the context of her broader and ongoing health needs, the psychologist determines that additional support would benefit the mother with a dietitian to address any nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to her mood and mental health.

This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach ensures that care is person-centred and timely. Various aspects of this mother’s health can be addressed, including her baby’s initial health and wellbeing, her own mental health and her ongoing physical health that has a bidirectional influence on her mental health. The psychologist and dietitian can communicate the treatment plan and progress via a report to the referring GP. Through early intervention and coordinated care, this new mother has a team of professionals supporting her holistic needs, which will benefit her and her baby in the immediate and longer term.

Example 2: Musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation case

A professional footballer sustained a shoulder injury during a recent game and attends a physiotherapy clinic for treatment and rehabilitation. The physiotherapist performs an initial musculoskeletal and functional assessment and finds evidence of a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder joint. The physiotherapist takes the lead in managing the rehabilitation process, starting with interventions to reduce pain and inflammation, restore shoulder function and gradually rebuild strength and stability.

During the course of treatment over the first four weeks, the footballer reports to the physiotherapist that he is experiencing progressively worsening shoulder discomfort following some of the exercises he’s received. The physiotherapist suspects a labral tear, which affects the cartilage in the shoulder joint. He therefore recommends a visit to his GP to obtain a referral for diagnostic imaging, which can confirm the presence of further damage to the shoulder joint. The physiotherapist refers the patient back to his GP, who can refer for imaging. The physiotherapist communicates this in a letter to the GP, ensuring details of the assessment and treatment to date.

The footballer undergoes an MRI scan with a radiologist at the request of his GP. The results are sent to both the GP and the physiotherapist. Upon a follow-up visit to the GP, the footballer learns that he has sustained a joint injury that requires surgery with an orthopaedic specialist. He undergoes surgery to repair the labrum and has a post-operative consultation with the surgeon and follow-up care with his initial physiotherapist. A letter detailing the surgery is sent from the orthopaedic specialist to the GP. His shoulder subsequently recovers well, thanks to the coordinated, multidisciplinary model of care and the varied, specialised expertise of each healthcare professional. The footballer was able to return to sport and is equipped with injury prevention strategies for long-term physical health.

Example 3: Eating disorder recovery case

A young woman has been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa and is receiving ongoing care through a Chronic Disease Management Plan facilitated by her GP. As part of this plan, the GP coordinates multidisciplinary care with a dietitian and psychologist, ensuring the patient receives comprehensive, tailored and continuous support.

The GP serves as the central point of care coordination, regularly reviewing the patient’s progress and adjusting referrals as needed. The dietitian works closely with the patient to develop an individualised nutrition plan aimed at restoring healthy eating patterns, correcting nutritional deficiencies and supporting sustainable dietary habits. The psychologist provides ongoing psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to help the patient address thought patterns, body image concerns and emotional triggers related to her condition.

The dietitian and psychologist maintain communication through shared progress notes and reporting, with the GP overseeing all updates. Over time, the patient demonstrates improvements in her relationship with food, body image and mental wellbeing. Through this coordinated, multidisciplinary model of care, each professional contributes their expertise toward a unified goal of holistic recovery and long-term health maintenance for this patient.

Example 4: Obesity and diabetes management case

A retired man with type 2 diabetes and obesity attends his GP for ongoing management under a Chronic Disease Management Plan. The GP coordinates a multidisciplinary team, including a diabetes educator, dietitian and podiatrist to provide comprehensive support for his chronic conditions. The patient also visits an optometrist independently, who conducts annual eye health checks.

The GP conducts regular health reviews, monitors blood glucose levels, checks blood pressure and ensures the patient’s care plan is up to date. The diabetes educator plays a key role in patient education and management. They conduct regular blood glucose monitoring, support the use of insulin-delivery technology and provide information on the importance of diet and physical activity in controlling diabetes.

The dietitian develops a personalised eating plan aimed at weight reduction, improved glycaemic control, supporting optimal digestion and nutrient intake. The podiatrist performs foot assessments every six months to monitor for neuropathy, ulcers and circulatory changes, providing preventative foot care and patient education to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Meanwhile, the optometrist conducts annual eye examinations to screen for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and other vision-related complications associated with diabetes.

This integrated approach ensures that all aspects of the patient’s chronic conditions are addressed from a medical, nutritional, functional and preventative perspective. Through collaboration and regular communication between professionals, the patient achieves improved glycaemic control, gradual weight loss and a reduced risk of complications associated with his chronic disease presentation.

How to embrace working in a multidisciplinary team in a healthcare setting

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Working well in a multidisciplinary team requires a range of interpersonal skills. Here are some practical tips to help you embrace the collaborative nature of a multidisciplinary team:

1. Communicate clearly: Effective communication is the cornerstone of teamwork. Be clear and accurate when sharing information and ensure everything is properly documented in accordance with medico-legal requirements. Good communication as a team builds trust, ensures accountability and promotes safe and high quality care.
2. Understand each other's roles: It helps to learn about the roles and responsibilities of those you will work with in a multidisciplinary team setting. Team members may change throughout the course of treatment or you may collaborate with a unique set of professionals for each individual. Gaining clarity of others’ roles helps everyone remain effective and accountable.
3. Establish shared outcomes: An essential part of multidisciplinary care is ensuring everyone is on the same page by developing a common treatment goal. Work with your team to create a clear, person-centred goal which takes into account the client or patient’s holistic needs. When everyone is aligned and working towards the same outcome, you are more likely to collaborate successfully.
4. Be adaptable and open-minded: Remaining flexible in your approach based on the input of others is important. It helps to consider the clinical wisdom of other healthcare professionals, as they may bring innovative ideas or a wealth of experience in addressing specific presentations. This will also help you learn from others, help you evolve your practice and grow in your career.
5. Offer your unique clinical perspective: Just as you would appreciate the role of other health professionals, remember you also have plenty to offer in a multidisciplinary team setting. Your views, experience and qualifications are unique to you and your practice, which means you may have a treatment option, insight or solution that others cannot provide.

Enhance your multidisciplinary teamwork skills with postgraduate study

Your capacity to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team is an important skill for your healthcare career. Many postgraduate courses have a content focus or specific units designed to develop these collaborative competencies.

Here are some postgraduate healthcare courses that highlight the value of multidisciplinary care in a range of disciplines:

Nursing

Murdoch University’s Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Healthcare (Online) includes the unit: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Neurocognitive Disorders. This unit promotes the use of evidence-based and person-centred approaches in the prevention, assessment and supportive care of older people with neurocognitive disorders in many healthcare settings. You’ll be equipped to provide comprehensive care to older adults in acute, community or residential aged care settings in a variety of roles, including as a nurse unit manager, clinical nurse or aged care nurse.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) offers a Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing and a Graduate Certificate in Critical Care. Both of these postgraduate courses equip nurses with advanced skills to provide patient-centred care in high-acuity or high-pressure environments. You’ll also learn how to develop a compassionate and culturally-responsive approach to patients in your nursing practice.

One of the core learning outcomes for both of these UTS courses is refined communication and teamwork skills that support effective collaboration in multidisciplinary teams for improved patient outcomes. These courses are flexible and designed for busy nurses looking to upskill to pursue niche roles in acute care or critical care.

Mental health nursing

Victoria University's Master of Mental Health Nursing is for nurses looking to expand their careers into the field of mental health nursing. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of mental health and its impact on the individual and communities. You’ll also acquire specialised skills to lead multidisciplinary teams in a range of mental health settings with the unit Care Coordination in Practice. Upon completion of this course, you’ll become eligible to gain a professional credential with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.

Psychology

Deakin University’s Master of Professional Psychology is a fifth-year, APAC-accredited psychology course and a pathway into the final-year internship that leads to general registration as a psychologist. This course is suitable for those who have completed an undergraduate psychology degree and are eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.

The learning outcomes for this course include the ability to demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to work effectively with clients, carers and colleagues across multidisciplinary teams and in various settings relevant to the psychology field. You'll also develop competencies in maintaining professional relationships with multidisciplinary team members to deliver person-centred care to your clients. This master’s degree allows you to pursue psychology roles that span across private practice, education, rehabilitation, aged care, forensic psychology and more.

Social work

The Master of Social Work at Deakin University includes the unique unit: Collaborative Practice in Health and Community Care. This unit provides students from a variety of healthcare disciplines with the opportunity to come together, gain hands-on experience, learn from each other and develop an understanding of different healthcare fields.

You may encounter students studying medicine, nursing and allied health disciplines, including psychology, occupational therapy and optometry. This unit helps you understand how healthcare teams function and develops your multidisciplinary care skills while benefiting from networking opportunities that can boost your future social work career.

Upon completion of this AASW-accredited course, you’ll be able to enter the social work field equipped with skills in leadership, advocacy and ethical practice to work in diverse, collaborative intra and interdisciplinary settings.

Occupational therapy

University of Tasmania’s Master of Occupational Therapy includes the unit: Developing as Allied Health Collaborators. This unit develops your interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team skills and helps you build an interprofessional collaborative practice. You’ll gain the knowledge to communicate effectively with healthcare colleagues from various disciplines and settings to develop appropriate interventions for clients. Graduates from this course can pursue roles supporting clients across many sectors, such as hospitals, aged care, disability, paediatrics, mental health or social services.

Physiotherapy

The University of South Australia offers a Master of Physiotherapy (Graduate Entry). This course is suitable for professionals with a background in a similar field, such as human biology, medicine, public health and human movement. Completing this course may be an ideal option if you want to leverage your existing knowledge and skills and move into a rewarding career as a physiotherapist. The learning outcomes for this master’s degree include being qualified to help prevent and manage disability or illness in various healthcare settings as a part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

La Trobe University offers a Master of Physiotherapy Practice and a Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy. The Master of Physiotherapy Practice includes a learning outcome where you’ll use initiative to plan and prioritise your work in the context of a multidisciplinary team, either as a valued team member or leader. The Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy will give you the competency to apply expert clinical reasoning and management within multidisciplinary teams to ensure clients can safely return to sport, enhance their athletic performance and prevent injury recurrence. Both of these courses provide graduates with advanced skills to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Exercise physiology

If a career in exercise physiology interests you, the University of Western Australia offers a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, in which you’ll learn important skills in exercise prescription, rehabilitation and complete work-integrated learning to build practical skills to support clients. This course gives you the expertise and competencies to work in a range of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, non-profit organisations, rehabilitation centres, sports organisations, aged care facilities and multidisciplinary clinics.

Build valuable skills in multidisciplinary care

Working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team is an important way to provide meaningful, holistic care to your clients or patients. As a healthcare professional, it also offers a supportive and collaborative environment that promotes continuous learning and career growth.

Explore postgraduate courses that can help you build essential skills to work effectively with diverse healthcare professionals and provide coordinated healthcare. If you’re ready to enrol, select a course from the options above and enquire with our Education Consultant, who can help you with your enquiry.

At GlobalHealth Education, we showcase various healthcare courses from respected Australian universities. We also partner with several universities to offer healthcare courses suited to your specific study and career goals. Discover courses in a range of healthcare fields, including psychology, nursing, public health, health leadership and management, counselling, social work and mental health. Transform your healthcare career and enquire today.