Reflection on Experiences as a Member of a Clinical Team

Posted: May 5th, 2020

Discussion post. Reflect on your experiences as a member of a clinical team. What makes a team effective or ineffective in terms of achieving expected outcomes for the patients? (Saunders, 2014)

Submission Instructions:

• Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.

• You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response.)

• All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.

• Please post your initial response by 11:59 PM ET Thursday, and comment on the posts of two classmates by 11:59 PM ET Sunday.

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Reflection on Experiences as a Member of a Clinical Team: Factors Affecting Team Effectiveness in Achieving Expected Patient Outcomes

Being a member of a clinical team provides valuable insights into the dynamics and factors that contribute to a team’s effectiveness or ineffectiveness in achieving expected outcomes for patients. In this reflection, I will discuss key elements that influence the success of a clinical team based on the work of Saunders (2014). These factors include effective communication, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, shared goals, and continuous learning.

Effective Communication:
One of the fundamental aspects of an effective clinical team is clear and open communication. Communication breakdowns can result in medical errors, delayed interventions, and compromised patient safety. Effective communication encompasses active listening, clear articulation of ideas, and respectful exchanges. It is essential to foster an environment where team members feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and expressing concerns. This facilitates the sharing of critical information, promotes collaboration, and enables the team to make informed decisions.

Interprofessional Collaboration:
Successful clinical teams are characterized by strong interprofessional collaboration, where individuals from different disciplines work together to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. Each team member brings unique expertise, knowledge, and skills to the table. By leveraging these diverse perspectives, teams can develop holistic care plans that address patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs. Interprofessional collaboration enhances communication, reduces errors, and improves patient outcomes.

Leadership:
Effective leadership is crucial for guiding a clinical team towards its goals. A strong leader promotes a positive team culture, sets clear expectations, and fosters an environment of trust and respect. They empower team members by delegating tasks appropriately, recognizing their strengths, and providing constructive feedback. Moreover, effective leaders support the team’s professional development and address any conflicts that may arise promptly.

Shared Goals:
For a clinical team to be effective, it is essential that all members align their efforts towards shared goals. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). When everyone understands the team’s purpose and objectives, they can collaborate more efficiently and make coordinated decisions. Additionally, shared goals foster a sense of accountability among team members, leading to enhanced patient outcomes.

Continuous Learning:
In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, continuous learning is vital for maintaining competency and improving patient care. Effective clinical teams embrace a culture of ongoing education and professional development. This includes staying updated on the latest evidence-based practices, participating in training programs, and engaging in reflective discussions. By encouraging continuous learning, teams can adapt to new challenges, innovate care delivery, and ensure that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Conclusion:
As a member of a clinical team, I have come to appreciate the importance of various factors that contribute to team effectiveness. Effective communication, interprofessional collaboration, strong leadership, shared goals, and continuous learning are key elements that promote positive patient outcomes. By understanding and implementing these factors, clinical teams can optimize their performance and provide high-quality, patient-centered care. It is crucial for healthcare organizations to support and invest in the development of these essential elements to foster effective clinical teams and improve patient outcomes.

References:
Saunders, H. (2014). Effective Interprofessional Teamwork in Healthcare: Key Messages from International Evidence. Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 6, 65–71. doi:10.2147/JHL.S68401