One of the main concerns expressed regarding teamwork is that without one provider consistently “in charge” care will be fragmented and duplicated and “patients will fall through the cracks”.

6. Coordination includes efficient and effective organization of the necessary components of the treatment plan. For each patient situation, providers need to be clear about who does what, who will carry out which part of the plan and who will take the lead to ensure that the overall plan is implemented. This is important for patients and families to know. Efficient and effective coordination protects against fragmentation and unintentional duplication, and ensures that comprehensive care is delivered by involving all appropriate providers.

Herding Cats: This video demonstrates what is possible when care is carefully coordinated. Coordination allows you to accomplish what may seem to be impossible: providing the highest quality of patient care that is effective and efficient while fostering positive work environment for the team. Herding Cats provides an analogy.

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Reflection:

Can you think of an example of something that negatively effects the coordination of care for patients at your site/ with your team? How could this be changed to improve coordination?

Can you think of an example of something that positively effects the coordination of care for patients at your site/ with your team? Is there any way to extend this practice?