Evaluating Interdisciplinary Work Groups

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Evaluating Interdisciplinary Work Groups
Qiana R. Cryer University Of Maryland School of
Social Work Maternal and Child Health
Scholar November 19, 2007
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(No Transcript)
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At the heart of Interdisciplinarity is
communication. - Anonymous
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Task Groups Any group in which the overriding
purpose is to accomplish a goal that is neither
intrinsically nor immediately linked to the needs
of the members of the group. Although the work of
a task group may ultimately affect the members of
the group, the primary purpose of task groups is
to accomplish a goal that will affect a broader
constituency, not just the members of the
group. -Toseland, R. Rivas, R. (2005). An
introduction to group work practice. New York,
NY Pearson.
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• Forming Interdisciplinary Task Groups
• Blending of professional cultures
• Identifying the roles and skills of other
  disciplines
• Identifying both common and unique skills to the
  various disciplines
• Recognizing the interdependence of disciplines
  within the in decision making process
• - Peckunois, E. (2007, August). Developing a
  Team. Presented at the Maternal and Child Health
  Leadership Development Retreat, Baltimore, MD.

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Barriers to Effective Interdisciplinary Work
Groups in Health Care Settings

• Licensure fee structure
• Historical bias
• Mistrust over autonomy control
• Competition for income
• Lack of understanding of interdisciplinary
  professional ethics, competency, and professional
  roles
• Lack of opportunity to experience
  interdisciplinary practice models during training
• Differences in age, gender, and class
• Scheduling conflicts
• Lack of communication and shared objectives among
  disciplines
• -Brashers, V., Curry,C., Harper,D., McDaniel, S.,
  Pawlson,G., Ball,J. (2001). Interprofessional
  health care education Recommendations of the
  National Academies of Practice expert panel on
  health care in the 21st century. Issues in
  Interdisciplinary Care National Academies of
  Practice Forum, 3, 21-31.

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Importance of Interdisciplinary Work Groups in
Health Care Settings

• Interdisciplinary practice is recognized as an
  important contributor to reduced hospital costs
  and improved inpatient outcomes
• Outpatient interdisciplinary teams document cost
  savings, improved health outcomes, and greater
  client satisfaction
• -Brashers, V., Curry,C., Harper,D., McDaniel, S.,
  Pawlson,G., Ball,J. (2001). Interprofessional
  health care education Recommendations of the
  National Academies of Practice expert panel on
  health care in the 21st century. Issues in
  Interdisciplinary Care National Academies of
  Practice Forum, 3, 21-31.

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Key Factors for Successful Interdisciplinary
Groups

• Shared vision and purpose
• Goals
• Effective communication
• Sustainability
• Evaluation
• Political climate
• Resources
• Policies/laws/regulations
• Connectedness
• -Borden, L. Perkins, D. (1999). Assessing your
  collaboration A self evaluation tool. Journal
  of Extension, 37, 1-4.

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Reasons for Conducting Evaluations

• Evaluations can demonstrate the usefulness of a
  specific group
• Information from evaluations can help groups
  improve their leadership skills
• Evaluations can inform groups about the effects
  of specific interventions
• Groups can assess their progress and whether or
  not they are accomplishing
• their goals
• Group members can express their satisfaction and
  dissatisfaction with the group
• Group can share knowledge with similar groups
• - Toseland, R. Rivas, R. (2005). An
  introduction to group work practice. New York,
  NY Pearson.

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Types of Evaluations

• Progress notes
• Personal interviews
• Questionnaires
• Analysis of reports or other products of a
  groups work
• Review of audiotapes and videotapes of group
  meetings
• Role plays
• Reliable and valid scales
• - Toseland, R. Rivas, R. (2005). An
  introduction to group work practice. New York,
  NY Pearson.

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Case Example The Oral Health Care Crisis A
Silent Epidemic
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Identified Problem Not all Americans are
benefiting equally from improvements in health
and health care. A silent epidemic of oral
disease is affecting our most vulnerable
citizens- poor children -Surgeons General
Report 2000. Retrieved November 1, 2007.
www.nih.gov.
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• Oral Health and Overall Health
• Untreated oral disease may lead to problems in
  eating, speaking, and sleeping
• Poor oral health among children has been tied to
  poor performance in school and poor social
  relationships
• Children with chronic dental pain may have
  difficulty concentrating, poor self image, and
  problems completing school work
• Children with early childhood dental problems
  also often weigh less
• Childhood oral disease has significant medical
  and financial consequences
• -Surgeons General Report 2000. Retrieved
  November 1, 2007. www.nih.gov.

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• Evaluation Process
• Conduct a needs assessment
• Identify shared purpose and goals
• Evaluation of group process