Whilst on a ward placement, i came to understand the importance of the whole team approach to treatment. I was quite shocked about how much communication there was between each field. The ward meetings, which previously seemed to be the doctors talking to each other about medications, turned into very detailed discussions about all aspects of treatment and the options available.
Throughout these meetings, each team, from doctors, to consultants, the pain team, physios, speach therapists, OT's, social workers, pharmacists, nurses and psychologists... everyone got a chance to talk through their treatments, how they are progressing and both the physical and mental sides to their health. Everything was discussed including what sports the patient likes, whats foods and their favourite colour. I began to understand how this very detailed discussion about the patient would improve the quality of their stay, their mental state of mind and ultimately their health.
I first attended these meetings in the 3rd of 5 weeks at the placement and from then on, i felt much more comfortable with my treatment plan, i felt i could bond with the patient much more and i was alot more efficient. Also i felt much more confident talking to other team members and asking for advice.
Since then, on my placements i have endevoured to communicate with other members of staff around the ward about how the patients are progressing or to seek advice about the best ways to bond with them. It has made the placements much easier and i have found that even though we are students are there are hundreds of us around the wards, most staff members are willing to take time to speak to us and help us out. All we have to do is smile and ask!
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I have also found the team meetings very useful in understanding how a patient is going, both medically, psychologically, their family situation etc. It really helps you to tailor your approach to their treatment and your treatments become much more individualised!
I had a placement on a ward with a similar commitment to teamwork. I found that the patients' care was so much better compared to some other wards I'd been on- if a patient was discharged, everyone on the team was aware of all aspects of the patients well being and confident that they would cope well at home. It also helped to make me feel much more valued as a team member as others were genuinely interested in what we had to say.
It was only midway through second semester that I had the opportunity to go to a team meeting. This was stroke rehab in Shenton Park so patients were definitely long stays and all kinds of things were discussed with the patient and family involved as well.
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