WORKING TOGETHER, LEARNING TOGETHERMental health services are showing the way for interprofessional teams to learn and practise together, say Helena Priest and Paula Roberts

摘要

A subtle but significant shift from multiprofessional to interprofessional teamwork is emerging. In multiprofessional working, staff combine their unique skills in a team effort to benefit patient care. Interprofessionally, staff are sharing their expertise to care for patients in better ways.Mental health services have been pioneering shared learning and practice since the 1990s. Now, integrated community mental health teams are bringing together professionals from health and social care settings, and early evidence suggests that this integration improves clinical and social outcomes for patients.But if the concept of interprofessional working is to succeed in practice, staff need excellent teamworking and communication skills. Where once we might have expected these skills to develop on the job, modern work environments demand a more systematic approach.