Discuss the most effective communication skills model creates a teamwork approach. This is the idea that everyone involved in the patient’s care provides input in the plan of care and resolution. For example, in caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of heart failure, the team will include; the Cardiology MD team, the primary care and charge nurse, the patient, the family as requested by the patient, an educator, dietician, and a social worker. Each service will provide information and advice within their scope of practice that will assist in providing quality, effective healthcare outcomes for the patient. All parties must be respectful of one another as experts in their profession, and knowledgeable components of the team. No one is viewed as superior, as each service is equally important to achieve the common goal of best possible patient centered outcomes. “Patient safety experts agree that communication and teamwork skills are essential for providing quality healthcare. When all clinical and nonclinical staff collaborate effectively, health care teams can improve patient outcomes, prevent medical errors, improve efficiency and increase patient satisfaction”. (Article, Focusing on Teamwork and Communication to Improve Patient Safety, Jay Bhatt, D.O. and Maureen Swick, R.N., American Hospital Association, aha.org.)
The most important aspect of interdisciplinary communication as it relates to nurses, is our ability to be detailed and structured in our patient assessments and reporting of information. We use the SBAR format which allows us to provide efficient and focused communication. We also provide insight regarding patient preferences, beliefs, family dynamic, and overall healthcare viewpoints. We are often a close contact and advocate for the patient, and we are equipped to present a wealth of skill and knowledge to the interdisciplinary team when collaborating a plan of care. The interdisciplinary teamwork format is a tool that I have used my entire nursing career, and I continue to use in my daily work environment.
