The One Dozen Most Important Things You May Not Have Known, Understood, or Realized About American Medicine
The Health Care Team
Overview
In the United States, medicine is practiced in a team environment. Although in most cases the physician is the head of the team, he or she needs to understand, respect, and effectively utilize the skills offered by other team members. These team members include nursing staff, social workers, physical therapists, chaplains, and other professionals. A team approach is particularly important in the care of very ill patients in the hospital. Diagnostic and treatment plans should incorporate input from all team members, each of whom should be comfortable questioning decisions and suggesting alternatives. The effective physician actively solicits input from team members and encourages an integrated team approach. Suggestions for alternative treatment plans are not a threat to the physician’s authority, but rather a normal function of each member of the medical team.