Interprofessional Working in NHS Flashcards

What is 'clinical handover' and what are the key elements of a safe handover?

Answer: Transfer of care responsibility between professionals using a structured communication tool (e.g., SBAR) — including situation, background, assessment, and recommendation

Safe handover is a critical patient safety process. The SBAR tool (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) provides a structured, reproducible format for communicating essential care information between professionals.

What does 'professional tribalism' mean in healthcare and why is it a patient safety concern?

Answer: Loyalties to one's own professional group that create communication barriers, undermine teamwork, and result in fragmented or poor patient care

Professional tribalism (excessive in-group loyalty) in healthcare can lead to poor communication across professional boundaries, delayed escalation of concerns, and failures in coordinated care — all linked to adverse patient outcomes.

What is SBAR and in what situations is it used?

Answer: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — a structured communication tool for clinical handover and escalating patient concerns

SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a structured communication framework widely used in NHS handover, clinical escalation, and inter-professional communication to ensure clear and complete transfer of information.

What is the role of a 'key worker' in integrated care for patients with complex needs?

Answer: A named professional coordinating care across multiple services, acting as the primary contact for the patient and ensuring needs are addressed holistically

Key workers coordinate care for patients with complex, multi-agency needs (e.g., children with EHCPs, adults with long-term conditions). They reduce fragmentation, advocate for the patient, and monitor the care plan.

Which professional group typically leads an NHS ward 'daily huddle' or safety briefing?

Answer: The ward manager or senior nurse in most settings, with input from all disciplines

Daily safety huddles are typically led by the ward manager or senior nurse, involving all ward staff to review patient safety concerns, handover risks, and coordinate priorities for the shift.

What is 'crew resource management' (CRM) as applied in NHS settings?

Answer: A system of non-technical skills (communication, leadership, situation awareness, decision-making) applied to healthcare teams to improve safety

CRM originated in aviation and has been adapted for healthcare. It focuses on optimising team performance through clear communication, shared situational awareness, assertive challenge, and defined leadership to reduce clinical errors.