Developing and measuring progress toward collaborative, integrated, interdisciplinary health care teams

Suzanne B. Cashman, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Patricia Reidy
Kathleen Cody
Celeste A. Lemay, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

In this article we report the results of a longitudinal study of an intervention to enhance interdisciplinary team functioning in a primary care setting. Components of the team development intervention are outlined. Team members' assessments of progress towards expressing values consistent with an effective team--as measured through the System for the Multiple Level Observation of Groups (SYMLOG)--are presented and discussed. Institutional, organizational, and team related supports and barriers that affect the development of collaborative, integrated teams are identified and discussed; implications for ensuring teams' success are presented.