Intentional or Not: Teamwork Learning at Primary Care Clinics

Primary care teamwork has been shown to increase satisfaction and decrease stress for physicians but the impact of outpatient teamwork for primary care residents' learning has not been described. This study aimed to understand the role of teamwork in residents' learning during and after the establishment of teams.

Interviews with 37 primary care residents addressed their experiences at outpatient clinic, including their perceptions about whether team-based care affected their educational experience. Using qualitative thematic analysis, transcripts were coded to identify themes about teamwork and learning, both positive and negative.

Residents described learning both about and through teamwork at continuity clinic, despite variation in the speed and extent of initial integration into teams. As residents learned how to work on a team, they realized the importance of face-to-face time together and trusting one another. Team members also taught residents about the clinical system and social aspects of patient care, as well as some procedural skills, which led them to understand how teamwork can improve patient care and efficiency. Finally, residents learned, through both optimal and suboptimal first-hand team experiences, to see team-based care as a model for future primary care practice.

While integrating residents into primary care teams, educators should consider the potential value of teamwork as an intentional learning method. Team members, beyond the preceptor, can offer valuable instruction, and team-based workplace learning prepares residents to use teamwork to optimize care for patients.