Interdisciplinary Health Care Evaluation Instruments: A Review of Psychometric Evidence

Teamwork among health care professionals has been found to improve patient outcomes and reduce burnout. Surveys from individual team members are often used to measure the effectiveness of teamwork performance, as they provide an efficient way to capture various constructs of teamwork. This allows evaluators to better understand team functioning, areas of strength, and to identify potential areas for improvement. However, the majority of published surveys are yet to be validated. We conducted a review of psychometric evidence to identify instruments frequently used in practice and identified in the literature. The databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. After excluding duplicates and irrelevant articles, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria for full assessment. Seven surveys were validated and most frequently identified in the literature. This review aims to facilitate the selection of instruments that are most appropriate for research and clinical practice. More research is required to develop surveys that better reflect the current reality of teamwork in our evolving health system, including a greater consideration for patient as team members. Additionally, more research is needed to encompass an increasing development of team assessment tools.

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Collective soul: The spirituality of an interdisciplinary palliative care team

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951506060032 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 13-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

SHANE SINCLAIR ◽

SHELLEY RAFFIN ◽

JOSE PEREIRA ◽

NANCY GUEBERT

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Palliative Care ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Palliative Care Team ◽

Care Team ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Team Members ◽

Spiritual Journeys ◽

Common Goals

Objective:Although spirituality as it relates to patients is gaining increasing attention, less is known about how health care professionals (HCP) experience spirituality personally or collectively in the workplace. This study explores the collective spirituality of an interdisciplinary palliative care team, by studying how individuals felt about their own spirituality, whether there was a shared sense of a team spirituality, how spirituality related to the care the team provided to patients and whether they felt that they provided spiritual care.Methods:A qualitative autoethnographic approach was used. The study was conducted in a 10-bed Tertiary Palliative Care Unit (TPCU) in a large acute-care referral hospital and cancer center. Interdisciplinary team members of the TPCU were invited to participate in one-to-one interviews and/or focus groups. Five interviews and three focus groups were conducted with a total of 20 participants.Results:Initially participants struggled to define spirituality. Concepts of spirituality relating to integrity, wholeness, meaning, and personal journeying emerged. For many, spirituality is inherently relational. Others acknowledged transcendence as an element of spirituality. Spirituality was described as being wrapped in caring and often manifests in small daily acts of kindness and of love, embedded within routine acts of caring. Palliative care served as a catalyst for team members' own spiritual journeys. For some participants, palliative care represented a spiritual calling. A collective spirituality stemming from common goals, values, and belonging surfaced.Significance of results:This was the first known study that focused specifically on the exploration of a collective spirituality. The culture of palliative care seems to foster spiritual reflection among health care professionals both as individuals and as a whole. While spirituality was difficult to describe, it was a shared experience often tangibly present in the provision of care on all levels.

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Health Care Trajectories for Children With ADHD in France: Results From the QUEST Survey

Journal of Attention Disorders ◽

10.1177/1087054715618790 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 52-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hervé Caci ◽

David Cohen ◽

Olivier Bonnot ◽

Bernard Kabuth ◽

Jean-Phillipe Raynaud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

National Sample ◽

Adhd Diagnosis ◽

Delay In Diagnosis ◽

The Core ◽

Initial Onset ◽

Improvement Method ◽

Core Symptoms ◽

Improve Patient

Objective: The objective of this study is to retrospectively describe the pathway toward ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and identify potential areas for improvement. Method: Parent-reported questionnaires were collected by a national sample of ADHD specialists. Results: In total, 473 complete questionnaires were analyzed. Initial onset of ADHD symptoms was reported at a mean age of 4.45 years. Mean age at diagnosis was 8.07 years, and half of the families had seen at least three health care professionals previously. Psychiatrists were most commonly consulted. A “combined” (89% boys) and inattentive (49% boys) profile was identified. Diagnosis was made 1 year later for the latter group. Two thirds of patients received pharmacological treatment. The delay in diagnosis was identified as the main source of concern for caregivers. Conclusion: The 4-year delay in diagnosis may represent a loss of opportunity. Training health care professionals in the core symptoms of ADHD may help reduce disparities and improve patient trajectory.

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Making Ethics Work in Collaborative Projects

Australian Journal of Primary Health ◽

10.1071/py05049 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 101

Author(s):

Emily Mauldon

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Primary Health Care ◽

Research Ethics ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Ethics Committees ◽

Research Process ◽

Ethical Review ◽

Ethical Research ◽

Team Members ◽

Primary Health

This article discusses problems a research team had managing their ethical obligations during a short project, and considers the implications of these problems for better understanding and carrying out ethical research in the future. Two key points will be proposed. Initially, it will be argued that the culture of ethical research as articulated within the research community may not be universally accepted within the primary health care sector. The nature of "ethical conduct" within clinical practice, service provision and research is not the same. Further, practical difficulties the researchers experienced while trying to gain approval from ethics committees and implement the proposed research plan highlight some ways in which institutional ethical review processes are structurally unsuited to the requirements of small collaborative projects. Understanding the different ways in which the term "ethics" is used will allow for a more expedient translation of concepts between different health professionals. Recognising the practical constraints ethical review places on the research process may help reduce some of the frustration primary health care professionals can experience when faced with the requirements of research ethics committees. Due to the history of, and cultural commitment to, ethical research within the university sector, those with formal academic training in research are well placed to assume responsibility for managing the ethics process when involved in cross-sectoral research. This responsibility may include the need to educate team members and study participants about the importance of research ethics.

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Establishing a Mutually Respectful Environment in the Workplace: A Toolbox for Performance Excellence

American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book ◽

10.1200/edbk_249529 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. e219-e226 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Narjust Duma ◽

Shail Maingi ◽

William D. Tap ◽

Colin D. Weekes ◽

Charles R. Thomas

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Work Performance ◽

Performance Excellence ◽

Political Climate ◽

Negative Behaviors ◽

Team Members ◽

Emotional Environment ◽

Overall Job Satisfaction

Most health care professionals spend a substantial amount of their time at the workplace. Our interactions with team members can define our daily experiences, impact our work performance, and influence our overall job satisfaction. Over the last years, how we interact with colleagues and patients has changed with the introduction of social media, a tenser political climate, and an evolving health care system. In oncology, a team can be composed of medical students, clinicians, and support and administrative staff within a heavy emotional environment where some of our patients are facing the risk of early mortality and most are dealing with the unmeasurable burden of cancer. Many of these factors can increase the risk for professionalism lapses. We discuss common challenges faced in the practice of cancer care, including the generational gap between medical trainees and senior members, gender disparities, and microaggressions. Microaggressions represent verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, and negative slights that insult a target person or group. Microaggressions should not be accepted as the norm in the workplace. It is essential to recognize these negative behaviors and manage them effectively to reduce or even prevent the long-term toxicities that these behaviors can bring to the workplace environment. Ultimately, we must acknowledge that these issues exist and remember that education and collaboration are the pillars of an inclusive workplace. We owe such efforts to our patients who deserve good care, to our partners in the care of patients so that they feel supported and included, and to ourselves.

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Computer-Based Case Simulations for Assessment in Health Care: A Literature Review of Validity Evidence

Evaluation & the Health Professions ◽

10.1177/0163278717718609 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 82-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Robyn C. Ward ◽

Timothy J. Muckle ◽

Michael J. Kremer ◽

Mary Anne Krogh

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Decision Making ◽

Literature Review ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Replication Studies ◽

Clinical Scenarios ◽

Computer Based ◽

Assessment Of Competence ◽

Psychometric Evidence

Simulation for education and training in health-care professions has been widely applied. However, its value as an assessment tool for competence is not fully known. Logistical barriers of simulation-based assessments have led some health-care organizations to utilize computer-based case simulations (CCSs) for assessment. This article provides a review of the literature on the identification of psychometrically sound, CCS instruments designed to measure decision-making competence in health-care professionals. CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Ovid databases identified 84 potentially relevant articles published between January 2000 and May 2017. A total of 12 articles met criteria for inclusion in this review. Findings of these 12 articles indicate that summative assessment in health care using CCSs in the form of clinical scenarios is utilized to assess higher order performance aspects of competence in the form of decision-making. Psychometric strength was validated in eight articles and supported by four replication studies. Two of the eight articles reported evidence of construct validity and support the need for evidence based on a theoretical framework. This literature review offers implications for further research on the use of CCS tools as a method for assessment of competence in health-care professionals and the need for psychometric evidence to support it.

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Health care providers’ roles and responsibilities in management of polypharmacy: Results of a modified Delphi

Canadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada ◽

10.1177/1715163518804276 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 151 (6) ◽

pp. 395-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Barbara Farrell ◽

Wade Thompson ◽

Cody D. Black ◽

Douglas Archibald ◽

Lalitha Raman-Wilms ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Medication Management ◽

Role Clarity ◽

Care Providers ◽

Management Competencies ◽

Team Members ◽

Importance Ratings

Background: Little is known about the roles that allow interprofessional teams to effectively manage older patients experiencing polypharmacy. Objectives: To identify and examine the consensus on salient interprofessional roles, responsibilities and competencies required in managing polypharmacy. Methods: Four focus groups with 35 team members practising in geriatrics were generated to inform survey development. The sessions generated 63 competencies, roles or responsibilities, which were categorized into 4 domains defined by the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative. The resulting survey was administered nationally to geriatric health care professionals who were asked to rate the importance of each item in managing polypharmacy; we sought agreement within and across professions using a confirmatory 2-round Delphi method. Results: Round 1 was completed by 98 survey respondents and round 2 by 72. There was high intra-professional and interprofessional consensus regarding the importance of competencies among physicians, nurses and pharmacists; though pharmacists rated fewer competencies as important. Less consensus was observed among other health care professionals or they indicated the nonimportance of competencies despite focus group discussion to the contrary. Discussion: Although there is a strong consensus of polypharmacy management competencies across team members who have been more traditionally involved in medication management, there continue to be health care providers with differing understandings of competencies that may contribute to reduced reliance on medication. Lower importance ratings suggest pharmacists may not acknowledge or recognize their own potential roles in interprofessional polypharmacy management. Conclusion: Further exploration to understand the underutilization of professional expertise in managing polypharmacy will contribute to refining role clarity and translating competencies in practical settings, as well as guiding educators regarding curricular content.

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Pain Assessment in a Geriatric Psychiatry Program

Pain Research and Management ◽

10.1155/2007/975282 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 273-280 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Paul Stolee ◽

Loretta M Hillier ◽

Jacquelin Esbaugh ◽

Nancy Bol ◽

Laurie McKellar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Pain Management ◽

Pain Assessment ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Management Practice ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Geriatric Psychiatry ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Pain Symptoms ◽

Consistent Approach

BACKGROUND: The assessment of pain in older persons with psychiatric illness is particularly challenging for health care professionals. There are few well-tested pain assessment tools for this population.OBJECTIVES: A study was conducted to explore pain assessment and management issues in geriatric psychiatry.METHODS: Seventy-four staff members of a geriatric psychiatry service at Regional Mental Health Care London, St Joseph’s Health Care London, London, Ontario completed a survey to assess current pain assessment and management practice for geriatric psychiatry patients, and to identify indicators used to assess pain in this population. The results of the survey were later shared with members of the program’s pain management team in a focus group discussion to explore opportunities on how to transfer these findings into clinical practice.RESULTS: The majority of survey respondents (91.8%) agreed that pain assessment and management could be improved for patients; only 14.9% reported that there was a consistent approach to pain management. Misconceptions and attitudes about pain, lack of easily administered pain tools, inconsistent monitoring of pain, and lack of documentation of pain symptoms and indicators were identified as significant barriers to optimal pain management for their patients. A number of behaviours indicative of pain were identified but emphasis was placed on recognition of changes from usual behaviour.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study highlight the need for a comprehensive, practical and consistent approach to pain assessment and management, and provide insight into the critical components, including behavioural indicators, that could be incorporated into a pain protocol to be used with this population.

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Challenges and benefits of working in teams – Interpersonal interactions in health care

International Journal of Engineering and Management Sciences ◽

10.21791/ijems.2017.3.2. ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 11-19

Author(s):

G. Bányai ◽

K. Bíró

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Patient Involvement ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Care Process ◽

Organizational Responses ◽

Team Members ◽

Working Groups ◽

Psychological Harassment ◽

Paternalistic Approach

Teamwork has become the accepted way of doing one’s job. This is so true even profession’s that were considered an exception are shifting towards teamwork. Apart from the well-known benefits, there seems to be a downside of the enforcement of this work strategy. Conflicts, frictions, frustration in working groups can affect the dignity, psychological or physical integrity of team members, generally referred to as psychological harassment, workplace bullying or mobbing. The outcomes of the phenomenon are various negative organizational responses. Health care is somewhat lagging behind in this shift towards working in teams, but with increasing specialization greater coordination is needed between health care professionals. Above all, the patient wishes to be more involved in the health care process. Research suggests that patient involvement and working in teams have a positive impact on effectiveness and patient mortality, respectively. One of the challenges for health care is to include the patient in the teamwork process as an equal member of the group and at the same time overcome the drawbacks mentioned above, in a setting where a traditional, paternalistic approach is still present and the vulnerability of the patient (and his/her dignity) is evident.

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Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Student Differences and Teaching Implications

American Journal of Health Sciences (AJHS) ◽

10.19030/ajhs.v1i1.988 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 11-22

Author(s):

Janet R. Buelow ◽

Rod McAdams ◽

Alice Adams ◽

Leigh E. Rich

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Health Care Administration ◽

Interdisciplinary Team ◽

Health Administration ◽

Health Care Professions ◽

Interdisciplinary Teamwork ◽

Interdisciplinary Health Care Teams ◽

Interdisciplinary Health Care ◽

Administration Students

Teamwork with individuals from multiple disciplines is recognized as a significant skill necessary for professional employment. While a variety of teaching methods for students in health care professions have been investigated and found to be generally effective in improving interdisciplinary team skills, one field - health administration - has not been included in these studies. The research presented here used two standardized instruments (with seven distinct subscales) to compare perceptions of health care administration students and clinical students regarding interdisciplinary teamwork. Three attitudes toward interdisciplinary health care teams were similar among all students - shared leadership, perceived need for cooperation, and understanding others’ values. Significant differences between administration and clinical students were found in four areas. Health administration students exhibited lower scores for: 1) believing in the value of teamwork, 2) recognizing teamwork efficiency, 3) believing their profession was perceived as competent by other health care professionals, and 4) recognizing their own lack of cooperation in teamwork. These findings reveal the diverse cultures among health care professionals and invite educators to consider the diversity of their students when implementing interdisciplinary team-teaching techniques and methods.

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