Health professionals work in teams: their training should prepare them
GOOD communication and understanding of the roles of other disciplines in a health care team has been found to result in fewer medical errors, reduced medical costs and a better patient care experience. GÉRARD CHARL FILIES, Senior Lecturer: Interprofessional Education Unit, University of the Western Cape JOSÈ FRANTZ, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, University of the Western Cape Take this scenario for example: Mr X has had a stroke and has been admitted to hospital. He sees a doctor who refers him to a specialist. These appointments are followed by others with an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist and a dietitian.…