Abstract

MAXHAKANA, Zama  and  SITHOLE, Mbongeni Shadrack. Experiences of social workers in working with health care practitioners: a multidisciplinary team approach. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) [online]. 2024, vol.60, n.1, pp.98-122. ISSN 2312-7198.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15270/60-1-1254.

This article uses role theory as a lens to explain the experiences of social workers working within healthcare multidisciplinary teams, which are characterised by interprofessional dominance and subordination. A qualitative case study design was used to explore and describe the experiences of social workers in working with other healthcare practitioners in multidisciplinary teams. A purposeful sampling technique was used to select sixteen participants from a particular health district. Data were collected through interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Professional power dynamics, a sense of agency with a need for collaborative contribution, and a lack of understanding of the social work profession are three themes that summarise the findings. The article concludes that the ineffective management of multidisciplinary themes creates a barrier to different professionals' ability to communicate, work and learn together. The article recommends preparatory training for multidisciplinary team members and the need for a structured framework for interprofessional engagement.

Keywords : collaboration; healthcare; healthcare practitioner; multidisciplinary team; social worker; teamwork.

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