Barriers and facilitators of multidisciplinary team working: a review

Professionals from many different organisations can be involved in the care of a child, especially a child with special/complex needs. A literature review was undertaken to explore some of the barriers and facilitators of joint working with the aim of informing local practices. Different models of joint working and the barriers and facilitators to effective multidisciplinary team working were identified. Four of the most prominent themes for effective working were: co-location; key workers; appreciation for other agencies; communication and information sharing. A multi-faceted approach incorporating a variety of strategies such as meetings, improving working relationships, and developing communication networks may prove successful in facilitating more effective multidisciplinary working than one single strategy.