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

GMC – 16th April

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.

Read the report – Teamworking: Understanding barriers and enablers to supportive teams in UK health systems