Chapter 14, Problem 14.2.3CS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

The local cancer centre has a health team designed to coordinate the care of children with cancer. The team member meet on a weekly basis to discuss the 18 children under their care and agree on the best course of treatment for each child. Cathy Lyn, the social worker is head of the team and is responsible for the case management of each child. However, when the meets Dr. Hidyat and Linett dominate the conversation.

When it comes to decision making, they insist on doing it their way for the good of the patient. All other members of the team resent this behaviour because they are the health care workers who spend the most time with the children and feel that they know the best how to handle their long-term care. As a result, the patients feel as if no one cares or understands them. The team is also having trouble working together, and no one on the team is satisfied with the outcome.

Characters in the case:

Dr. Sherif Hidyat, Physician

Dr. Wayne Linett, Radiologist

Sharon Whittling, Nurse Practitioner

Cathy Lyn, Social Worker

Nancy Crosby, Physical Therapist

Janet Lewis, Child Life Worker

To determine:

Whether you would take any actions to improve team functioning and how would you intervene.