Linking Treatment to Outcomes through Teams: Building a Conceptual Model of Rehabilitation Effectiveness

Abstract

The team approach has been the dominant paradigm in contemporary inpatient medical rehabilitation. In this article, a conceptual model of treatment effectiveness is presented that links characteristics of the hospital organization, treatment, and participants to patient outcomes through the treatment team. The proposed mechanism of team process is founded on the interprofessional relations and “personality” (or social climate) of the team. The process of team care emerges from team leadership and managerial practices. The dimensions of team process that are hypothesized to influence patient outcomes are highlighted.

Keywords:

• interdisciplinary
• outcomes
• rehabilitation team
• stroke