New RCP resource aims to improve team working in the NHS

Exploring the differing aspects of what makes a good team and how to improve and build upon successful medical team working - the resource is separated into four reports:

• Building effective teams
• Team culture
• Team communication
• Team development

Informed by the NHS staff survey, CQC acute trust reviews and a roundtable event, which included doctors of all career grades, as well as a wide range of professionals and royal college and arm-length body representatives, the resources are designed to be of use both practically and academically.

Commenting on the resources, RCP president Professor Jane Dacre said:

These resources provide a great guide to what a ‘good’ team looks like and they provide a strong base to help us all support and motivate our teams​. At the very least I hope they will be a conversation starter in many hospitals across the country.

We know that effective team-working reduces medical errors, increases patient safety and improves patient mortality rates. Crucially, for those working in our NHS it also leads to reduced stress and higher job satisfaction. This is where we want our medical teams to be.