IngentaConnect Groups or teams in health care: finding the best fit

Authors: Saltman, Deborah C.; O'Dea, Natalie A.¹; Farmer, Jane²; Veitch, Craig³; Rosen, Gaye⁴; Kidd, Michael R.⁵

Source: Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Volume 13, Number 1, February 2007 , pp. 55-60(6)

Abstract:

Rationale

In the evolution of the team concept, clear distinctions between `groups' and `teams' were made. In this paper we argue that these distinctions were not made explicit in the translation of team structures to health care. Even though teams are appropriate for many health care settings, this paper explores the notion that when teams may not be working, it is the concept of team that may not be appropriate, not the functioning of the team itself. Methods

This paper reviews the differences between teams and groups, and identifies how these differences are expressed in health care settings using urban and rural examples from the UK and Australia. Results

Some suggestions about matching structures to suit the unique nature of health care provision, particularly in community health settings, are made. Discussion

Instead of concentrating on improving the process of teams, the focus could be better directed to ensure that whatever structure is utilized best facilitates the necessary outcomes in the most effective way. The team approach may not always be the best approach, and sometimes referring to a number of people working together as a group is sufficient.

Keywords: groups; health care organization; teams

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2006.00649.x

Affiliations: 1: Educational Consultant, EdAct Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia 2: Senior Lecturer, Business School, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland 3: Professor of Rural Health, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia 4: Director, OPP & M Pty Ltd, Adjunct lecturer Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Sydney, Australia 5: Professor and Head, Discipline of General Practice, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

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