Summary

Assessing What You Already Know (Text-based Activity)

Question 1

Recall the video shown at the start of the chapter showing a discussion between two health care team members, HCAs. From the options below, select the statement which describes your initial impression of the situation:

1.  One team member is not communicating effectively to assist a patient with their needs.
2.  This is simply a miscommunication and does not affect patient needs.
3.  Both team members are not communicating effectively to assist a patient with their need

Solution. The correct response is option three. Communication breakdown usually involves a series of missed opportunities and a failure to collaborate together. Read the chapter to explore health care teams and communication.

Question 2

As you complete this activity reflect on what you already know about teams and team dynamics.

Poor teamwork practices can lead to the following consequences. Select all that apply:

1. Solve problems
2. Incomplete communication
3. Higher risk of errors
4. Failing to utilize expertise

Solution. The correct response is Options two, three and four.

Option two. Incomplete communication. In many situations incomplete communication could affect patient care and incomplete hand-over or transfer of information can and will occur. Read the chapter to explore health care teams and communication

Option three. higher risk of errors. This could be a serious consequence when communication breaks down, it places patient safety at risk. Explore this chapter to discover communication strategies of productive health care teams

Option four. failing to utilize expertise. The failure of productive team practices can result in some teams’ members not contributing fully to positive patient outcomes. Read the chapter to explore health care teams and communication.

Check your Understanding (Text-based Activity)

Question 1

Select the term which applies to this statement: When working with others on a health care team you accept responsibility for your actions.

1. Accountability
2. Credit
3. Praise

Solution. The correct response is Option one. Accountability. All team members are accountable for their actions in a health care setting to support patient care and assist with positive care outcomes.

Question 2

When working with others it is effective to avoid decisions that favour one point of view over another based on a close-minded approach. Select the term which describes this action.

1. Tolerance
2. Preference
3. Bias

The correct response is Option three. Bias based decisions create challenges for teams to be productive and often discounts therapeutic communication-based approaches.

Question 3

Interprofessional care includes, select all that apply,

1. Clear verbal communications
2. Two-way communications between professionals
3. Respectful communication

Solution: The correct response is Options one, two and three. Interprofessional care is integral to a client’s overall care. It includes respectful, clear two-way communication between all professionals.