Module 10 Notes: Collaboration in Teams, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution

Module 10: Collaboration in Teams, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution

• Context and purpose

  • In the Australian care environment, working in effective collaboration with others is essential and increasingly expected.

  • Barriers and challenges to effective communication may lead to conflicts when working with individuals or teams.

  • The module introduces features of communication to consider for multidisciplinary cooperation and how to approach communication when conflict arises.

• Module 10 focus: collaboration in teams, multidisciplinary collaboration, and conflict resolution

  • Topic scope: how to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, how to manage conflicts, and how to use communication strategies in collaborative care.

  • The content emphasizes practical skills for teamwork and conflict management in clinical settings.

• Preparation and activities

  • There are several videos under Resources to watch (approximately 5 videos).

  • Video topics include:

  • "Communication in teams" (interprofessional collaboration context)

  • "Interprofessional collaborative communication" (emphasizing how well the team communicates)

  • A mind map video (visual synthesis of concepts)

  • Videos are designed to support Assessment 3 (how well does your team communicate?) and to reinforce microskills.

  • Total video length is around 9 ext{-}12 minutes each (not long; multiple short videos).

  • Students are advised to watch all videos after class to consolidate learning.

• Key concepts: collaboration in teams

  • Modern health care is complex and specialized; effective patient care requires teamwork where each practitioner contributes specialized knowledge and skills.

  • Common challenges in teams:

  • Finding time to meet and share information

  • Interacting effectively with other health care practitioners and patients

  • Differences in perspectives on health care issues

  • The need to consult with support staff for decision making

  • Differences in professional backgrounds, training, and communication styles

  • The aim is to work as a team to deliver effective patient care; each member brings unique expertise that must be integrated.

• Interprofessional and interpersonal dimensions of team communication

  • Interprofessional relationships help establish rapport, trust, and collaboration; team communication builds and maintains relationships.

  • Interprofessional dimensions include:

  • Mutual and reciprocal self‑disclosure helps build team relationships

  • Use interpersonal communication skills to meet team member expectations and implicit contracts

  • Practical implications: communication should support joint decision making and shared understanding among diverse professionals.

• Conflict awareness and resolution

  • Conflict is a serious disagreement or dispute that can arise in professional settings; it may involve emotions, competing priorities, or scarce resources.

  • Types of conflict discussed (one-by-one):

  • Circumstantial conflict: arises from unplanned circumstances

  • Conflict of interest: e.g., hiring a relative or a friend over a qualified candidate

  • Relationship conflict: due to miscommunication, trust issues, personality clashes

  • Value conflict: differing beliefs or principles (e.g., parenting styles, patient care preferences)

  • Structural conflict: external/systemic factors like limited resources or organizational rules

  • Inner conflict: internal struggle within an individual when making a difficult decision

  • The way we respond to conflict matters: unhelpful responses can include avoidance or physical symptoms; more constructive approaches rely on emotional intelligence and structured communication.

  • Effective approaches to conflict:

  • Emotional intelligence: ability to manage one's own emotions and understand others' emotions

  • Win–win approach: both sides feel they have benefited

  • Separate the people from the problem: focus on issues rather than personalities

  • Build trust

  • Mediation: use an independent mediator to help identify options

  • Communication-focused strategy during conflict: use microskills (questioning, reflecting, validating, etc.) to identify emotions and respond appropriately

  • Conflict management steps (a practical sequence):

  • Identify the emotions involved in the conflict for everyone

  • Assess the situation and respond calmly

  • Decide whether to listen, speak, or step away from the situation

  • Recognize and resolve negative attitudes to reduce stress and strain

  • Develop self-awareness, self-control, preparation, and commitment to resolve

  • Patterns of relating during conflict (communication styles):

  • Passive: low engagement, may withhold response

  • Aggressive: assertive but with hostility or force

  • Passive–aggressive: indirect resistance and avoidance of direct confrontation

  • Assertive: clear, direct expression of views while respecting others

  • Bullying: coercive behavior, domination, or manipulation

  • The goal for health professionals: understand these patterns to respond appropriately (prefer assertive, respectful communication) and protect the rights of all involved while achieving positive outcomes

• Practical implications and reflections

  • Group dynamics in multi-professional teams can be challenging when some members are more aggressive or less emotionally intelligent; effective collaboration requires confidence and clear communication.

  • It is important to maintain professionalism and protect patient/client rights while navigating group dynamics.

  • Personal practice and reflection: students discussed applying communication skills with family members and in personal situations (e.g., practicing with a doctor, coaching a daughter through work challenges) to build comfort and competence in real-life contexts.

  • The broader takeaway is to cultivate tools for calm, confident, and constructive communication in professional settings to support patient care and team functioning.

• Summary and connections

  • The module integrates concepts from earlier modules (e.g., ISBAR, microskills, interprofessional communication) and connects them to practical teamwork and conflict resolution in healthcare.

  • Emphasizes that effective collaboration depends on shared goals, clear information exchange, mutual respect, and the ability to manage conflicts constructively.

  • Real-world relevance: improving team communication enhances patient safety, care quality, and organizational effectiveness; ethical implications include respecting patient autonomy, ensuring fair treatment, and balancing resources with patient needs.

• Quick reference: key terms to remember

  • ISBAR: a communication framework for structured information transfer (Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)

  • PISA framework: another framework mentioned for assessment/listing (ensure full module review to capture it)

  • Emotional intelligence: managing one’s own emotions and understanding others’ emotions

  • Microskills: small, deliberate communication skills (questioning, reflecting, validating)

  • Interprofessional vs interpersonal dimensions: relationships across professions vs. interactions within a team

  • Conflict types: circumstantial, conflict of interest, relationship, value, structural, inner

  • Conflict styles: passive, aggressive, passive–aggressive, assertive, bullying

  • Win–win: finding solutions where both sides feel they have gained

  • Mediation: third party helps identify options and resolve

  • Assertive communication: clear, direct, respectful expression of needs and boundaries

• Notable dates and figures mentioned (for study planning)

  • Assessment window: August ext{-}15 ext{ to } August ext{-}20 at 11 ext{ AM}

  • Modules referenced: 1 through 12 (full coverage recommended)

  • Video set: approximately 5 videos, around 9 ext{-}12 minutes each

• Reminders for students

  • Review announcements carefully; announcements may differ between groups

  • Watch all recommended videos after class to reinforce concepts

  • Practice communication and collaboration skills in real-life contexts (family, colleagues) to strengthen professional competence