Interprofessional Working in NHS Flashcards

What is the 'DNAR' (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) decision-making process and how does it involve interprofessional working?

Answer: A clinical decision ideally involving the MDT, patient (if capacitous), and family, considering clinical prognosis and patient wishes — documented clearly and communicated across all professional groups

DNACPR decisions are complex, ethically sensitive, and must be made collaboratively. The MDT perspective, patient's values (if capacitous), and family input inform the decision, which must be clearly documented and communicated to all involved in care.

How should a healthcare professional respond if they disagree with a senior colleague's clinical decision during a ward round?

Answer: Raise the concern professionally and politely through appropriate communication (e.g., SBAR escalation, speaking to the clinician privately, or escalating through governance if needed)

HCPC standards require respectful professional challenge when a registrant believes a clinical decision is unsafe or wrong. Assertive, structured communication (SBAR, direct discussion) is appropriate; blind compliance is not.

What is 'discharge planning' and which professionals are typically involved?

Answer: A multidisciplinary process ensuring patients are safely discharged with appropriate support — typically involving doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers

Effective discharge planning requires coordination across the MDT: medical clearance, nursing assessment, medication reconciliation by pharmacy, OT/PT functional assessment, and social care arrangements where needed.

What is 'Team Nursing' or 'Nursing Associate' roles in the context of interprofessional working?

Answer: Models of nursing delivery using a team approach with different skill levels (e.g., RN, NA, HCA) working together to deliver care — Nursing Associates bridge the gap between HCAs and registered nurses

Nursing Associates (a new Nursing and Midwifery Council-registered role) work within nursing teams, carrying out delegated clinical tasks, bridging the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses.

What does 'continuity of care' mean and how is it supported by interprofessional working?

Answer: Seamless, consistent care for patients over time and across settings — supported by good communication, shared records, coordinated handover, and consistent team members where possible

Continuity of care means the patient experiences coherent, joined-up care across professionals and settings. Good interprofessional communication, shared care records, and coordinated handover are essential to achieving this.

What is 'conflict resolution' in interprofessional team settings and what approaches are recommended?

Answer: Managing professional disagreements constructively through communication, mediation, and shared focus on patient outcomes — using techniques such as active listening, assertiveness, and formal mediation if needed

Professional conflicts in teams are inevitable. Effective conflict resolution uses active listening, assertive communication, focus on shared patient care goals, and formal mediation as a last resort — never avoidance or hierarchy-based suppression.