The complexities of family problems make it difficult for social work interns to effectively serve clients in a vacuum. Social problems need a response that is collaborative; one that utilizes professionals from the various disciplines (Bronstein, 2003). An interdisciplinary approach is one in which members of various and different disciplines come together to work toward common outcomes (Berg-Weger & Schnieder, 1998; Bruner, 1991). Bruner (1991) furthers this definition by emphasizing that without collaboration, goals will not be achieved. The process of collaboration is one in which the professionals pool their different knowledge bases in an interdependent, cooperative, cohesive and coordinated manner (McCallen, 2001; Bronstein, 2003). The concept of synergy – the sum of the parts is greater than the parts alone (one plus one does not equal two, rather it equals three) – is applicable to the teamwork associated with interdisciplinary teams. All of FC intervention requires the collaboration of other disciplines to be responsive to the multiple needs of our target populations. However, one of the intervention groups of Grandparent Family Connections (GFC 6+) formally includes interns and staff from the School of Law and Open Gates Health Clinic into our service delivery team. As opposed to making referrals out to another agency for services, our FC 6+ interdisciplinary team provides comprehensive and collaborative social work, nursing, and legal services to our families. With the inclusion of interns and staff from the Schools of Law and Open Gates, additional practice principles are employed in the delivery of services to families in the FC6+ group. These principles enhance GFC's practice principles. The law discipline brings the principles of layering for social change/client empowerment, client-centered decision-making/respect for family autonomy, and client empowerment. The nursing branch introduces the principles of the individual, familial and communal value of good health, a nursing focused model, and access to health care for all. The interdisciplinary team – comprised of Administrators, Supervisors, and Direct Line Staff – work together structuring service and administrative protocols and procedures. While focusing on delivering the most effective service delivery all members of the team must also be aware of their disciplinary differences. As such, numerous hours are spent, not only addressing clinical issues related to our families, but also on issues unique to inter-disciplinary team building and service delivery. References
Berg-Weger, M. & Schneider, F. D. (1998). Interdisciplinary collaboration in social work education. Journal of Social Work Education, 34, 97-107.
Bronstein, L.R. (2003). A model for inter-disciplinary collaboration. Social Work, 48 (3), 297-397. Bruner, C. (1991). Ten questions and answers to help policy makers improve children’s services. Washington, D.C.: Education and Human services Consortium. McCallin, A. (2001). Inter-disciplinary practice – a matter of teamwork: an integrated literature review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 10 (4), 419-429. |
(Summer 2007)