Maintaining professionalism within the team.
“Co-ordinated action carried out by two or more individuals jointly, con-currently or sequentially. It implies common agreed goals, clear awareness of and respect for others’ roles and functions.”- The World Health Organization’s definition of teamwork.
It is stressed in most industries that “teamwork” is important for success. For Dentistry however, it is not just success that encourages teamwork but also professionalism, as teamwork is required by the GDC guidelines in order to stay professional. The GDC defines a dental team as “the group of people who together provide care for a patient. Teamwork means working together to provide good-quality dental care.”
Getting over barriers/
It is unrealistic to expect every team in every business/healthcare setting to naturally get on and work well together. The NHS National Patient Safety Agency agrees and states that “teamwork cannot be expected to emerge naturally, so it is necessary to provide the facilities that will help groups of healthcare practitioners to become a good team.” Teamwork is not automatic and we often have to really work at it in order to achieve success.
The GDC Standards state quite clearly the kind of behaviour expected of team members within the working environment. As professionals, our responsibilities are to:
- Cooperate with other team members and colleagues and respect their role in caring for patients.
- Treat all team members and other colleagues fairly and in line with the law- do not discriminate against them.
- Communicate effectively and share your knowledge and skills with other team members and colleagues as necessary in the interests of patients. In all dealings with other team members and colleagues, make the interests of patients your first priority.
Remember………
We are individually responsible and accountable for our own actions and for the treatment or processes which we carry out. This includes our responsibility for cooperating with other team members in the best interests of patients.
So in other words, if a fellow colleague is driving you mad for whatever reason, either seek help in sorting out the matter in a sensible, respectful manner or rise above it! It is our duty to work effectively as a team in order to give our patients the best possible care.
Raising concerns/
Being part of a team can be a rewarding and comforting experience- good working relationships and even friendships are often formed. What would you do though if you realised that a colleague or even your employer was putting a patient at risk? It’s quite ironic really because you associate teamwork with looking out for each-other but as we already know, patient care comes first and if you suspect that a patient is at risk for whatever reason, it is your duty to raise concern about the suspected person. Covering up for someone or choosing to ignore a dangerous situation is not an option.
The GDC states that:
- “You have a responsibility to do this whether or not you are in a position to control or influence the organisation within which you work”
and
- “A supportive team will encourage its members to bring any concerns or difficulties they have to the team at an early stage, where they can often be sorted out.”
Summary/
We are all responsible for working together effectively as high quality teamwork equals high quality care to our patients. We should respect our colleagues, communicate well and offer each-other support. If we suspect that a team member is under-performing and putting a patient at risk, we must act on this immediately and raise concern to whoever we think appropriate. Assess the situation and make a decision- it is your duty.