Introduction to Team-Based Healthcare

Abstract

The importance of team based healthcare and collaborative practice has globally received more attention since the release of the World Health Organization's (2010) Framework for action on Interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Studies reporting the many advantages to healthcare teams working collaboratively to promote patient-centered care and improve patient outcomes have also been published. In this introductory chapter the origins of teamwork will be discussed as well as the advantages of implementing team based health care and collaborative practice in clinical settings.