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22-Mar-2022
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Arch Hellen Med, 39(1), January-February 2022, 129-134 SPECIAL ARTICLE The collaborative approach to treatment by the interdisciplinary team of health professionals L. Voniati,1 S. Armostis,2 R. Georgiou,1 D. Tafiadis1,3 |
In recent decades, teamwork, and specifically the role of the interdisciplinary team, have become increasingly important in the treatment of various conditions. The interdisciplinary team increases the quality of the performance of those involved, maximizing the skills for optimal functioning within the team, and thus optimizing the state of health of the patient. Although the scientific community has not established a final definition for the interdisciplinary team, a number of studies refer to it as the collaborative approach of a set of health scientists, with participants from a variety of health services. In Greece there is currently no institutionalized legal framework for the operation of interdisciplinary team. For this collaborative approach to be effective, the team members need training in the appropriate collaborative qualities, namely collaboration, desire to participate and commitment. The right composition and structure are important properties of the interdisciplinary team and successful communication, both between team members and with the patient is crucial. Successful interdisciplinary teamwork brings positive results for both the professionals who make up the team and the patients who receive this intervention. Self-determination, selfconfidence, and mutual understanding are the main benefits for the team's health scientists, and the patients profit from a more comprehensive and holistic approach to their needs. Interdisciplinary teams face various challenges, including leadership issues, the unclear role of each professional and a lack of appropriate and targeted training on the collaborative approach. These issues, when unresolved, can lead to conflict among team members, and subsequently to inadequate patient care. The increase in people belonging to vulnerable groups has highlighted the need for a holistic and collaborative approach to providing treatment for these patients that will improve their quality of life. Cultivation of the necessary team characteristics, with emphasis on the role of both the interdisciplinary team and each participating health professional, will ensure the provision of an effective collaborative approach.
Key words: Collaborative approach, Health professionals, Interdisciplinary team.
