Effective communication in teams

Overview

Whatever your role, you will work with different teams..

Each member of a team is responsible for ensuring they communicate clearly and concisely, engage in problem solving, listen to each other, collaborate and act in a way which promotes cohesiveness and integration.

Co-ordination of and effective communication in and across teams is key to ensuring a patient-centred approach for each service user, regardless of background, culture, diagnosis, etc.

Understanding how each member of a team(s) supports  service users is important to ensure you are able to explain this to the people you work with.

You will be required to communicate using both verbal and written skills (including use of technology) but respectful communication is important regardless of the method of delivery.  This is equally important in an informal setting (such as eating your lunch) as well as a more formal arrangement.

Why is this important

Service users do not always understand why communication comes from different teams or individuals. They often expect that different people they meet all have the same level of information about them and their experiences.  However, this is not always the case.

When working with colleagues it will be important to ensure that the information you share about service users/patients is accurate/factual to ensure plans and support packages can be put into place.

If you do not participate in team discussions, or listen to information which is being shared, you may not keep up to date or you may not be aware of opportunities to share with communities, services users and patients.

Skills Review

Having completed this sub-topic I will understand the importance of these skills.

• I am able to actively engage in team discussions and present information concisely and clearly to others.