Allied health professionals and attitudes toward teamwork

This study was conducted to determine whether allied health disciplines' attitudes toward preparedness and willingness to participate in interdisciplinary teams differed. A structured questionnaire was used to measure five factors: orientation toward team problem solving, problem-solving confidence, preparedness for interdisciplinary teams, attitudes toward interdisciplinary teams, and self-efficacy in contributing to interdisciplinary teams. There were 410 completed questionnaires, for an overall return rate of 50%. Analysis of variance and Scheffe post-hoc statistical tests were applied in analyzing the data. In general, the respondents were positive for all of the factors. Medical technologists indicated the least preparation for interdisciplinary teams, whereas circulation technologists indicated the least confidence in contributing to the teams. Persons who had participated in interdisciplinary teams were more positive toward team problem solving and were certain of their abilities to contribute to a problem-solving team. Implications for educators are discussed.