INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN HEALTHCARE

The human body is one of the most complex, fascinating structures, which relies on the
ability of all of its systems to function on a steady, ongoing basis. The various systems of the
human body must work together to ensure the proper function so one may live. Just as these bodily
systems exhibit the teamwork needed to keep the human body moving and alive, the same notion
can be applied to an actual healthcare setting, with the idea that no one system, or person for this
matter, can completely get the job done. When one system is malfunctioning, or even worse, fails,
it affects others negatively. Teamwork is inevitable.

Teamwork is necessary for patient care in the healthcare industry hence leading to the
improvement of the quality of patient care. When a patient is hospitalized, teamwork between the
nurse and physician attending to the patients’ needs is paramount. When a physician orders for
patient intervention, it is the responsibility of the therapist or nurses to carry out these orders. The
speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and physical therapists must work together and
communicate the patient’s test results effectively so that they can administer correct diagnosis.

It is evident that teamwork is necessary in the healthcare industry since it helps in

improvement of the quality of the healthcare. It is necessary for nurses, physicians and therapists
to work as a team in order to improve patient care. If they collaborate their efforts, the hospitalized
patients will be diagnosed properly and improve in their health. Teamwork between the
pharmacists, nurses and physicians ensure that patient diagnosis and treatment improves. This is
because pharmacists will advise physicians in situations when they administer wrong treatment or
dosage. Through this, the mortality rates will reduce. Teamwork between social workers and
physicians help to ensure that hospital activities are run efficiently without conflicts. By having
clearly defined roles, the facility will run efficiently hence ensuring that the facility concentrates
on the patients. Lastly, teamwork between different healthcare facilities ensures that they form
common rules and policies that will govern their operations.

CARLOS D. ACHONDO JR. 3MD