PATIENT SAFETY AND ERROR PREVENTION: THE INDISPENSABLE ROLE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS

Abstract

Medical​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ errors remain among the leading causes of ill health and death globally, and therefore, represent a major challenge for health-care systems. This paper elaborates on the main role of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) as a core strategy to improve patient safety and prevent errors. It traces patient-safety history, describes the organization and role of well-functioning MDTs, and explains how they reduce risk through better communication, shared mental models, and collective decision-making. The article cites the scientific research as evidence of the positive impact of MDTs on patient safety, error reduction, and safety culture. It also discusses problems associated with the implementation of such teams, e.g., hierarchical structures, lack of resources, and logistical difficulties and proposes research-supported solutions. The discussion about the current models leads to the following steps with the inclusion of technology and continuous improvement methods. The final section argues that robust, adequately resourced MDTs are not merely another feature but a precondition for the emergence of resilient, high-reliability healthcare organizations that are committed to error prevention and providing excellent patient care.