Communication as a teamwork tool in peritoneal dialysis

The growing complexity of the problems which have to be faced in providing a peritoneal dialysis service, such as giving assistance over a territory, consideration of the needs of the individual and the greater emphasis on the prevention of complications, makes multidisciplinary teamwork necessary, with the interaction of various skills. In order to succeed, teamwork requires the identification of clear objectives which are shared by all the members of the team. The various skills can best be exploited by defining roles and agreeing common aims and objectives so that the team can provide the patient with holistic treatment, which recognises the needs of the individual rather than the needs of the illness. Active cohesion between the various components is only possible through a defined communication strategy and an on-going transfer of knowledge.