Teamwork in Swedish neuropaediatric habilitation

Team collaboration in Swedish paediatric habilitation was analysed by means of a nation-wide sample of 202 professionals, representing all seven professions normally working in these teams. Provision of paediatric habilitation services as a part of the county secondary level health care is required by law, and has gradually been built up from the 1950s. The study focused on professional cooperation and interaction during different types of formal team meetings. The basic obstacles for the meetings were lack of time, poor meeting technique, and too large a group. The professionals appeared to interact on a fairly equal basis, able to challenge other's views and gaining a hearing for their own views, with the physiotherapists and the paediatricians perceived as being the most dominant team members. The perceived significance of the contribution from the different team members' dominance varied according to the age of the child and to changing needs. The prerequisites for interdisciplinary team working exist as far as meeting structure and a 'democratic' pattern of communication during meetings.