This study offers a new perspective on relationships
within the interprofessional team. The findings
suggest a 'knowing paradox': on the one hand, participants
felt they had an understanding of their colleagues'
contribution to rehabilitation; on the other
hand, nurses, occupational therapists and doctors felt
that their colleagues misunderstood their role.
Nurses and occupational therapists also perceived
that other team members did not value their role.
Participants recognized that there is role overlap,
but this was viewed as a positive aspect of the rehabilitation
process. From this point of view, participants
perceived that they were working towards a
common goal and each had a different perspective
to bring to the achievement of that goal.
It could be argued that the incongruity identified
by this study could have an impact in two ways:
• Team members who perceive themselves to be
misunderstood and undervalued may lack the
confidence and assertiveness to play a full and
active role in team decision-making.
• Team members who are confident that they
understand their colleagues' roles may have unrealistic
expectations of those colleagues. This confidence
in their understanding may act as a
barrier to attempting to find out about their colleagues.
Indeed, some doctors perceived that they
should define their colleagues' roles for them.