Team structure, skill mix and clinical outcomes

The majority of presentations to Australian EDs are for semi-urgent and non-urgent complaints in the older adult. For these patient's treatment and care is typically delivered by loosely organised teams of professionals. While substantial research has examined the clearly defined, hierarchical team structures used during resuscitation events, little is known about the composition and functioning of teams involved in non-urgent patient care in ED. Investigation of these team dynamics can identify personal and professional factors involved in the delivery of this care and enable the design of teams that enhance patient outcomes.