Case Study: Team or “Pseudoteam”
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often encounter challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Get FIT is a community-based program that was developed to promote access to physical activity, as well as education about healthy lifestyle choices, for individuals with IDD living in the community. You have the opportunity to volunteer at the Get FIT program at your local university and observe the following.
Clients with IDD arrive at the campus community center with their group home care providers. The clients gather around a table and socialize with one another and the individuals providing the program. The group home care providers sit in chairs toward the back of the room. The session begins with nursing students discussing the importance of healthy food choices. The discussion centers on sugary beverages, diet beverages, and water. Several clients actively interact with the nursing students and each other for half an hour. At that point, the physical activity portion of the session begins. Students from occupational therapy and physical therapy disciplines lead a gentle stretching and strengthening program for the group. Each client is assisted by a student volunteer who records the specific activities the client completes. This is followed by a group activity that is set to music to encourage everyone to “get moving.” Students interact with their assigned clients throughout the session. Everyone seems to enjoy the physical activity and the social interactions. At the end of the session, student volunteers guide clients to their respective care providers to return to their home.
Discussion Questions
- Based on your understanding of the case study presentation, were the individuals providing the Get FIT program functioning as a true team or pseudoteam? Provide specific examples as a rationale for your perspective.
- Identify at least two potential benefits of interprofessional collaboration for the clients participating in this program.
- Suggest additional team members who can engage in this client- and population-centered program. How would you rework the scenario to illustrate engaging other professionals in shared patient- and population-focused problem solving?
- Offer at least three suggestions for team development and effective teamwork practices in this setting. Refer to Chapters 13 and 14.
Case Study Analysis: Get FIT Program
1. Team or “Pseudoteam”
The individuals involved in the Get FIT program showcase elements of both a true team and a pseudoteam. The collaborative efforts among nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy students, and the clients demonstrate teamwork qualities. However, the segregation of roles, lack of comprehensive coordination, and limited shared decision-making suggest pseudoteam characteristics.
True Team Indicators:
- Collaborative Efforts: Nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy students work together to deliver comprehensive care.
- Interactions with Clients: Active engagement with clients during both the educational and physical activity sessions fosters a sense of teamwork.
Pseudoteam Indicators:
- Role Segregation: Group home care providers sit separately and seem less integrated into the team dynamic.
- Limited Shared Decision-making: Lack of evidence of collaborative decision-making among professionals.
2. Benefits of Interprofessional Collaboration
Interprofessional collaboration offers numerous benefits for clients in the Get FIT program:
- Holistic Care: Combining expertise from various fields ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of individuals with IDD, considering both physical and mental health aspects.
- Enhanced Support: Clients receive more personalized attention and assistance as different professionals contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
3. Additional Team Members
To further enrich the program and ensure a more holistic approach, involving additional professionals could be beneficial. Psychologists specializing in behavior modification could assist in addressing emotional and behavioral aspects. Nutritionists could offer specialized dietary guidance tailored to individual needs. To illustrate their engagement, the scenario could involve joint planning sessions among all professionals to discuss comprehensive care strategies, including dietary plans and behavior modification techniques.
4. Team Development and Effective Practices
- Regular Meetings: Schedule regular interdisciplinary meetings to discuss client progress, share insights, and collectively plan sessions.
- Collaborative Decision-making: Encourage all team members to contribute ideas and perspectives during planning sessions to foster a sense of shared responsibility.
- Training and Education: Organize workshops or training sessions to familiarize team members with each other’s roles, enhancing understanding and cohesion among professionals.
In conclusion, while the Get FIT program demonstrates collaborative efforts, there’s room for improvement in fostering a true team dynamic. By embracing interprofessional collaboration, including additional professionals, and implementing effective teamwork practices, the program can offer more comprehensive and integrated care for individuals with IDD, ensuring a more impactful and supportive environment.