The team approach in a psychogeriatric unit

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Healthcare Management
• Team Dynamics

Background:

• A new 14-bed short-term Psychogeriatric Unit was established in a psychiatric hospital.
• Limited psychiatrist availability necessitated significant clinical responsibility for paramedical staff.
• Initial role distinctions within the multidisciplinary team were intentionally kept vague.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of role clarity on a multidisciplinary team in a psychogeriatric unit.
• To assess staff perceptions of communication, role fulfillment, and team hierarchy.
• To understand the effectiveness of defined versus blurred roles in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to all staff members six months after the Unit's opening.
• Staff perceptions regarding team communication, primary therapist roles, and role understanding were collected.
• The psychiatrist's perspective on ultimate responsibility and role blurring was also considered.

Main Results:

• Staff reported good communication and the ability to fulfill primary therapist roles.
• All staff understood their own roles and those of their colleagues.
• The psychiatrist was universally recognized as the team leader.
• The psychiatrist noted that blurring roles caused issues and a regression to traditional patterns occurred.
• Staff viewed themselves as a cohesive team, pooling skills for patient care.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary team in a psychogeriatric unit benefits from clear role definitions.
• Defined roles foster effective communication and collaboration, contributing significantly to patient care.
• The established medical model and clear roles proved more beneficial than attempting to de-emphasize role importance.