Roles and responsibilities of the paediatrician in a child development team: a case-based discussion

Abstract

Reflective learning from vignettes of case histories of real children and families served by a Child Development Team (CDT) are used to explore the different roles and responsibilities of the paediatrician in relation to other members of the wider team. Very little qualitative research informs how teams should skill-mix and work efficiently to provide the complex, needs-led care that these children and their families require. Multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary teams are discussed as differing models for aspects of CDT work. For teams to function effectively they need the following: shared goals, knowledge of their client base and population needs, up to date awareness of the evidence base underpinning their work and translated into practice, credible leaders with high levels of self-awareness, regular and effective communication not only about individual cases but managerial and educational aspects of team working, and finally awareness of opportunity for diversity and specialization within the team.