Teamworking: Understanding barriers and enablers to supportive teams in UK health systems

Why did we commission this research?

Teamworking is a central aspect to ensuring effective healthcare delivery. We commissioned this research to gain insight into how doctors work together and across wider teams, to identify factors that contribute to effective teamwork, as well as elements that make it more challenging.

What did the research involve?

72 interviews with a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals from across the UK, including doctors at various grades and positions, as well as new and emerging roles including physician associates.   

What are the key findings?

The research highlighted factors that facilitate or hinder effective teamwork within healthcare settings.  These include factors relating to organisational structures, the workplace/environment, the makeup of the team, and individuals.

Enablers to effective teamwork include: 

• effective communication
• continuity and familiarity with colleagues
• induction and support for new team members
• understanding roles and respect for diverse roles 
• inclusivity and awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion 
• positive culture and support.

Barriers to effective teamwork include: 

• service demand pressures
• ineffective leadership
• misunderstanding of newer and emerging roles
• transient team structures
• power imbalances and negative hierarchy.

Download the research

Teamworking: Understanding barriers and enablers to supportive teams in UK health systems