The Importance Of Team-Based Care

As we move to value-based healthcare, the composition of the team is a key component to a successful transition. Numerous discussions have occurred over what these teams encompass, the certifications awarded, and the definition of the physician’s role within these teams.

However, this latter component is an area that requires further examination. Defining team leadership with the physician as the leader exists in innumerable forms. For instance, employing a prevailing autocratic approach, there is a “commander of a ship “method, where the crew works as a team, yet the leader is less a member of the team and more the authoritative leader. Whereas, using the “sporting teams” method, the group elects a captain, or team leader. In this way, her role is different in that she acts preponderantly as a mentor, a

In a situation where there is a pure medical decision to decide, she acts more akin to a commander of a ship. When there are other issues to address, such as improving the moral of the group or explaining a family dynamic, he participates more comparable to a captain of a team. There are times where coaching is most appropriate, for example, when teaching how to perform a certain procedure or discussing a medical condition. At other times, acting as the quarterback and coordinating the roles of the team is the necessary role. Understanding the appropriate circumstance and situations will avoid unintended consequences and confusion.

As care teams are designed and implemented, how the team is structured and the role clarity will be paramount for its success. An ultimate decision maker is needed, although, how that decision is discerned should be an element of the team design. The physician leader must be cognizant of her different roles and actions. Having these conversations and discussions, within the team at the outset, will improve the cohesiveness and the