A further study by Haward et al (2003)
that evaluated the impact of the composition
and methods of operation of interdisciplinary
breast cancer teams in the UK
on effectiveness, may be applicable in the
palliative care environment. These authors
report that professional diversity in the
team was associated positively with reflexivity
and promotion of greater discussion
and learning. Additionally, service delivery
improved the longer that teams had been
working together. The authors also found
that perceptions of team effectiveness were
related to the degree of involvement of the
healthcare professional and the degree to
which the team was central to their work.
They found that the leadership style was a
salient aspect of team functioning. Lack of
clarity or conflict over leadership resulted
in a less effective team whereas a single
leader had a negative effect on innovation.