Teamwork in primary care: the views and experiences of nurses, midwives and health visitors

J Adv Nurs. 1994 Aug;20(2):324-30. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2648.1994.20020324.x.

Abstract

This paper reports on findings from a study of teamwork in primary care in one family health services authority in England. It is based on interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire with practice nurses, district nurses, health visitors and midwives in 20 practices. Six topics emerged as important in relation to the views of nurses, midwives and health visitors and their experiences of teamwork: team identity; leadership; access to general practitioners; philosophies of care; understanding of team members' roles and responsibilities; and, disagreement regarding roles and responsibilities. Differences in the various views and experiences of teamwork were identified. Midwives and health visitors emerged as the least integrated members of the primary health care team. Recent changes to the organization of primary health care services, as well as professional changes, are seen as accounting for the different experiences of the nursing groups. The potential for teamwork in the future is discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Community Health Nursing*
  • England
  • Family Practice
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Leadership
  • Midwifery*
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Office Nursing
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Public Health Nursing