Abstract
Objective: To present the views of consumers, carers, and non-government organizations (NGOs) on interdisciplinary teamwork. The transcript from a symposium organized by the RANZCP Professional Liaison Committee at TheMHS conference of Australia and New Zealand is reviewed and analyzed.
Results: Consumer and carer participation in interdisciplinary teams is important. Consumers, carers and NGOs have useful perspectives on threats to interdisciplinary practice, and their views can assist teams to develop principles that promote positive interdisciplinary partnerships.
Conclusions: Effective and responsive partnerships with consumers and carers require interdisciplinary team members to commit to listening to and responding to the viewpoints of the users of their services. Resourcing and structuring teamwork around the viewpoint of users of mental health services can fundamentally change interdisciplinary teamwork. Furthermore, the commitment to consumer and carer participation has implications for how teams conduct their clinical practice and practice research.