Defining Person-Centred Teamwork: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Background The concepts of person-centredness and teamwork are both concepts that are embedded in healthcare and are both associated with improved patient outcomes. Person-centredness involves thinking about people within an environment and creating a culture of trust, respect and mutual goals. Effective teamwork creates an environment where the workload is shared and normally overwhelming tasks become more manageable. Person-centred teamwork is relevant to modern healthcare environments. The concept of person-centred teamwork has not been clearly defined. A clear definition is needed to develop the concept further and will allow us to implement and assess the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving person-centred teamwork. Objective To examine the basic elements of “person-centred teamwork” and provide a clear definition of the meaning and context of person-centred teamwork. Method The concept analysis model described by Walker and Avant, (1) was used to define the concept person-centred teamwork. Various bibliographic databases including EbscoHost, CINAHL, Health Source Nursing/Academic Edition and Web of Science were used to search in literature for the concepts. Peer reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2021 were used. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and uses of the concept were identified. Results A total of 40 studies were included. Four attributes were identified. Two attributes for person-centredness and two for teamwork. The four attributes are “recognising the uniqueness of the individual”, “relationship orientated”, “inclusivity” and “synergy”. The antecedents were found to be complementary to the attributes. The consequences of person-centred teamwork related to a focus on positive outcomes for the patient, significant others, healthcare team and organisation. Conclusion A definition of person-centred teamwork was developed. The definition and constructs will assist in the development of an instrument to measure person-centred teamwork.