[Opinions and expectations of primary care professionals concerning team work].
OBJECTIVE
To find the views and expectations of professionals working at primary care centres on team-work.


METHODS
Qualitative study. Focus group.


METHODS
The study was conducted during May 1997 at the following primary care centres: Terrassa North, Sant Llatzer (Terrassa) and Antón de Borja (Rubí). These PCCs depend on the Department of Health and Social Security and are managed by the Terrassa Health Consortium.


METHODS
38 primary care professionals, distributed in 5 independent groups of 8 doctors, 9 nurses, 3 social workers, 9 clerical staff and 9 auxiliaries.


RESULTS
Qualitative methodology and focal group technique were used. Contents of session transcriptions were analysed and the information classified according to themes. Views on the definition of team-work, basic aspects of its proper functioning, restrictions met by professionals at present and suggestions to overcome these restrictions were all identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The setting of objectives, the clear and structured definition of the functions of each professional group, the participation of all the team components in decision-taking, communication, and positive enabling approaches to team-work were all specified as basic features of the team's proper functioning. Ill-defined functions, few meetings, heterogeneity within the teams, scant team-work training, and passive and ill-adapted approaches were seen as restrictions. Training, the coordinator's activities, more meetings and changes in attitude were posed as alternatives.
Viñas Maestre
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M
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital de Sant Pablo, Barcelona.
Castel Simón
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D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017144:Focus Groups; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012106:Research; D013030:Spain; D000078329:Workforce