A team process to support interprofessional care

Health care reform recognizes the value of new care delivery models that are team-based. The Interprofessional Core Competencies (2011) speak to the importance of process-to-product through teamwork. While most often the focus of teamwork is product, to get to positive health outcomes through interprofessional teamwork, the importance of process must be acknowledged. What individuals bring to the process will influence the product. Individuals come to the work of the team influenced by many cultural perspectives- personal values, assumptions, and beliefs as well as disciplinary perspectives. Cultural layers are actively operating as teams form to provide care through interprofessional teamwork. Without self-awareness, reflection, and effective communication-the basic skill set for effective teamwork process-interaction within teams may not reach its potential. This article demonstrates one university's approach to educating their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students and guiding them to achieve teamwork competencies that are vital to intra-interprofessional practice.