Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/42292
Title: Analyzing the effectiveness of teamwork in the care of diabetes within the primary health care.
Authors: Sciberras, Maria
Keywords: Diabetes -- Malta
Medical care -- Malta
Health care teams
Patient satisfaction
Issue Date: 2007
Citation: Sciberras, M. (2007). Analyzing the effectiveness of teamwork in the care of diabetes within the primary health care (Master's dissertation).
Abstract: Introduction: Team performance in the diabetes care has wide ranging and far reaching consequences. Diabetes is on the increase worldwide and to no less extent within the Maltese Islands. Diabetic patients consume a large proportion of health and social care resources. They are more likely to see their GP, to be admitted as inpatients, and to use more inpatient days than those without such condition. The World Health Organisation has identified that such condition will be the leading cause of disability by 2020 and that, if not successfully managed, will become the most expensive problem for health care systems. Hence, it comes as no surprise that effective diabetes care should become a top priority of the Maltese healthcare service agenda. Objective: In view of this, the study aims at assessing the effectiveness of teamwork within the State Primary Health Care since a large proportion of diabetic patients are seen in the health centres. The objectives of the research are to: • Investigate the situation of teamwork in the management of diabetic patients in primary health care in Malta • Investigate the extent to which teamwork has developed in the management of diabetic patient in primary health care in a Malta. • Assess the extent to which team building is associated with team climate. • Assess the extent to which team climate is associated with patient satisfaction. • Identify the views of the diabetic patients with regard to diabetes care service provided in primary health care in Malta. Thus in this study various essential key factors were reviewed in the literature, in particular, team building and team developing; essential processes; benefits and barriers; teamwork in primary health care; the role of teams in diabetes care; patient satisfaction and quality of service. Method: The health centres which were involved in the study were Mosta, Paola and Floriana Health Centres. The target population included the main professions which form the diabetes team, that is, doctors, nurses, chiropodists, dietician, endocrinologists and ophthalmologists, and a selection of diabetic patients from different age groups, both males and females who utilised the service on routine basis. Data collection was carried out using triangulation of methods to improve the validity of the study. The methods used were self-report questionnaires for both the team members and the patients. Results: Results revealed that not all professionals involved in diabetes care perceive that they work in a team. However, those perceiving to be team members enjoy a number of processes which are imperative to effective teamworking. Those professionals who claim to work on individual basis have put forth very relevant suggestions which were highlighted in the 'Recommendations' section. Recommendations: Recommendations for management and clinical practice include: • Inclusion of a nurse practitioner in the team who would make up for the lack of dieticians in the department and release the doctor from prescribing which accounts for most of the doctor's clinic time. • Contribute collectively through a shared effort towards achieving higher levels of quality care. • Establish interpersonal and intrapersonal working schedules so as to achieve smooth running of the clinic and continuity of care. Establishing of effective communication in patient care. • Official recognition of team and support by both the members and the organisation. • Organise regular meetings to discuss work related issues, address areas of disagreement and reach relevant decisions. • Establish team goals, evaluate team performance through audit meetings and peer reviews • Identify a team leader to align and motivate the team. • Presenting the Diabetes Team as a model for other multidisciplinary teams working in the Primary Health Care, should the other recommendations be implemented and proven successfully. Conclusion: In conclusion, the diabetes care team in the Maltese Primary Health Care Department needs to improve and implement several team processes in. order to ensure better team effectiveness.
Description: M.SC.HEALTH SERVICES MANGT.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/42292
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2007
Dissertations - FacHScHSM - 2007



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