What is a multidisciplinary team? Pros, cons & setup tips

Most jobs involve working in a team environment. Even if you face the challenges of remote work, you’re probably still part of a team, albeit miles away from your colleagues, connecting on Zoom or via Teams. But how are teams formed, and what is a multidisciplinary team exactly?

Let’s delve into the details of what a multidisciplinary team is, and how it can help move projects forward.

The definition of a multidisciplinary team

As the name suggests, a multidisciplinary team is made up of members of staff with specialist disciplines or skills, but who come together to work towards the same ultimate aim or goal. These types of teams exist across all sectors, from construction and business to social care and education. 

But multidisciplinary teams are most commonly found in healthcare, where a unit of professionals collaborate to treat numerous patients while ensuring that each one receives individualised care from the relevant specialists. So you might be asking, “What is a multidisciplinary team example?”

In healthcare, this could be:

• A paediatric primary care team made up of a paediatrician, nurse, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and social worker

• A community mental health care team consisting of a mental health counsellor, psychologist, social worker, and peer support specialist

• A primary care team with a GP, nurse, pharmacist, social worker, and dietician

Each role has their unique skills to offer, allowing every patient to receive comprehensive care that meets their particular needs. Due to the nature of a multidisciplinary team, nothing should be neglected or ignored as it’s a 360-degree service, with the professionals problem solving amongst themselves to resolve any issues.

The advantages of a multidisciplinary team

What is the purpose of a multidisciplinary team? When you’ve got a strong team with different types of expertise sprinkled throughout, it’s going to make for enhanced outcomes, whatever your targets or industry happen to be.

Below are some of the benefits of having a multidisciplinary team in your corner:

Enhanced collaboration

Probably the most obvious is that this type of team builds collaboration and cooperation, as each team member respects one another with the knowledge and capabilities that they bring.

Increased knowledge

Each team member will bring fresh, new knowledge to the project, garnered from their own past experience.

Aiding innovation and growth

The culmination of expertise and diverse perspectives can certainly help a business grow and innovate at a faster scale, than just having teams made up of individuals with the same conceptual skill set.

Better outcomes

Especially in a healthcare setting, a multidisciplinary team provides room for improved outcomes for patients by adopting a holistic approach. Each member utilises their specialities to treat specific health issues, leading to reduced recovery time while preventing further conditions that one professional alone might not have spotted. 

More coherent use of resources

A multidisciplinary team can optimise resources by reducing duplication. By coordinating efforts and sharing expertise, team members avoid redundant tasks and ensure that each aspect of the project or patient care is handled efficiently.

CPD enhancement

A multidisciplinary team can promote continuous learning and professional development, with team members encouraging other members to improve themselves.

Rise in employee satisfaction

Working together encourages interaction and a sense of community as each one pulls their weight to achieve the final goal. Witnessing a colleague’s achievement or the thrill of a completed project is so much sweeter when shared with those who were there from the start. Members can also seek out support and receive positive feedback from one another.

The disadvantages of a multidisciplinary team

Understanding what a multidisciplinary team is entails exploring its disadvantages as well; it’s worth mulling over the following points to see if they can be avoided as much as possible:

Challenges in communication

People have different communication styles so what works for one person in the team might not work for the recipient. These differing ways of communicating can lead to workplace conflict, misunderstandings, or delays when trying to move the project forward.

Problems with coordination  

With so many disciplines in one team, one such problem, which can be very time-consuming, is the scheduling and coordinating of each faction of the project in order to bring it together at the end.

Confusion over roles

Responsibilities that overlap could cause confusion and can lead to serious disagreements or arguments.

Power dynamics

If there are sharp differences in the hierarchy of a team, this might lead to imbalances in the team dynamics, so consider the impact of office politics and how to approach any imbalances calmly and wisely.

Tips on how to create a multidisciplinary team

Starting from scratch might seem daunting, but once you’ve got the basics in place, you’ll be up and running in no time, especially if you follow these tips to building a multidisciplinary team:

1. Define your goals and objectives of the intended multidisciplinary team

2. Carefully select team members, ensuring you’ve covered all specialities and skills required

3. Establish the role and responsibilities of each team member

4. Emphasise the use of effective communication

5. Cultivate a collaborative and results-driven team working dynamics

6. Develop shared processes and protocols so everyone is on the same page

7. Provide support, guidance, and training for all members, regardless of their level

8. Meticulously track accomplishments and evaluate all performances

9. Monitor team productivity at regular intervals

10. Ensure members of the team are learning from each other

11. Face up to any challenges or conflicts

12. Provide constructive feedback, and celebrate any achievements along the way

The takeaway

Whether you’re part of a similar team of experts or are aiming to create one, you should now understand the basics of “What is a multidisciplinary team?” and what it entails. It’s time to move forward with your newfound knowledge!

If you’re looking for a new role within a multidisciplinary team, it’s time to get your CV in shape and showcase relevant, collaborative skills. Start by uploading your current CV and having it reviewed for free with TopCV.

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