Some aspects of interdisciplinary team work in contemporary surgery

  • Mladen Stulhofer Department of Surgery, Clinical Hospital "Merkur", Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Interdisciplinary work in surgery and medicine in general is a a contemporary norm. It consists of coordinated goal-oriented activities of medical staff with different professional training. Each of the team members acts independently, that is according to his/her best judgement, within his/her area of experience. Mutual respect, trust and the care for patient's well-being are the bonds that integrate a surgical team. Such a structure optimizes problem-solving through highly efficient use of medical resources. Each member of a surgical team – the surgeon, the anesthetist and the scrub nurse – is personally (morally and legally) responsible for his/her contribution. This holds true not only for surgical intervention, but also for pre- and postoperative phases. It should be stressed, though, that the division of labour during surgical procedure can not and should not be rigid. A certain amount of flexibility, necessary for consultation, information sharing, and, sometimes, joint decisionmaking, is of utmost importance. Flexibility is an important factor in performing safe and successful surgical intervention.

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References

Ulsenheimer K. Die Rechtstellung des Chirurgen im interdisciplinären Konzept Mitteil Deutsch Gesell Chir 2004; 3: 244-7

Ulsenheimer K. Oekonomische Zwänge und anästhesiologische Standards. Anästesist 2004; 53: 607·11.

Weissauer W. Division of work and delineation of responsibility between anesthetist and surgeon. Anästesist 1967; 282: 163-77

Published
2004-12-01
How to Cite
1.
Stulhofer M. Some aspects of interdisciplinary team work in contemporary surgery. Acta Chir. Croat. [Internet]. 2004Dec.1 [cited 2025Jan.21];1(1):54-8. Available from: https://acc.hkd.com.hr/index.php/ACC/article/view/54
Section
Invited Commentary