Interdisciplinary Health Care Team
Team Members
Doctors
The people in this group are, or are on their way to becoming, independent practitioners of the medical arts. Some are differentiated by their level of training and/or autonomy on the spectrum of medical practice (Attendings, Residents, Students), others by their training in a different medical tradition (Osteopathic Physicians), and still others by their specialized areas of practice (Dentists, Podiatrists). What they have in common is a high level of autonomy in practice and a commensurate level of responsibility. They also are required to complete many years of postgraduate professional education and training and must meet stringent requirements for licensure and certification.
Nurses and Nursing Staff
The people in this group provide direct, hands-on patient care, most often carrying out doctors’ orders but also initiating care based on their own clinical judgment and observation at the patient’s bedside. They provide near continuous monitoring of a patient’s progress and response to treatment and have a strong tradition of patient advocacy. At the highest level (Registered Nurses) they are required to have a bachelor’s degree, though many hold a master’s degree. Others in this group (Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Medical Assistants) train in certificate programs.
Other Direct Care Providers
The people in this group provide direct patient care in particular settings or areas of medicine. Some function as physician extenders (Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants) and practice in settings and areas of medicine as diverse as physicians do. Within variable constraints of physician supervision and protocols, their practice is based on their own clinical judgment and is relatively independent. Others practice within specialized areas of medicine (Certified Nurse-Midwives, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) or in prehospital settings (Emergency Medical Technicians/Paramedics). Education and training varies by discipline but often requires professional medical or nursing degrees.
Therapists
The people in this group provide direct patient care in specialized areas, usually at the request of primary caregivers. Some concentrate on helping patients regain or retain their ability to function with respect to daily activities (Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapy Practitioners) while others provide therapy to patients with problems in specific areas (Respiratory Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists). While they exercise independent judgment, they also often provide services based on established and proven protocols. All are required to have bachelor’s or associate’s degrees; most also are required to have education and training at the postgraduate level.
Care and Psychosocial Support Coordinators
The people in this group assist patients and caregivers with the coordination of the complex and variable range of services that may be required for patients and their families. Some deal primarily with logistical issues, continuity of care, post-discharge support and resources, and financial issues (Care Managers, Medical Social Workers). Others address spiritual needs and support (Chaplains) or complex issues involving difficult ethical decisions (Bioethicists). Education and training are generally at the doctoral or master’s level.
Consultative Resource Providers
The people in this group are less often involved in direct patient care, but provide highly specialized professional consultative input to primary caregivers. Some may be routinely involved in providing recommendations for hospitalized patients (Clinical Pharmacists, Registered Dietitians), while others are consulted only with respect to patients with particular types of problems (Audiologists). All require significant postgraduate training and master’s or doctoral degrees.
Diagnostic Technologists
The people in this group provide technical services in support of diagnostic or therapeutic aspects of patient management. Some are primarily involved in collecting and analyzing biological patient samples (Phlebotomists, Medical Technologists, Medical Laboratory Technicians), while others are involved in gathering diagnostic data (images) and carrying out treatment protocols (Radiologic Technologists). Depending on the discipline and specific areas of activity, education and training may be at the bachelor’s, associate’s, or certificate level.
Administrators and Information Managers
The people in this group are not involved in hands-on patient care but provide critical resources to ensure the smooth operation of the health care team. Some have responsibility for the overall operation of a hospital or institution (Hospital Executives), some provide or process the gamut of information necessary to ensure efficient and safe patient management (Medical Librarians, Health Information and Management Professionals, Ward Clerks), and others ensure the security of the physical facility (Hospital Security Officers) or work to minimize the liability of the institution (Risk Managers). Depending on their discipline, they may have a range of administrative or technical degrees and training.
Patients and Families
The people in this group are the most unique of all because they are not only part of the health care team, they are the reason that the health care team exists. Being aware of and keeping in mind the needs and contributions of Patients and Families helps to ensure that the work of the health care team remains patient-centered and that the appropriate input is continuously solicited from these unique team members.
