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Reflection on Challenges of Inter-Professional Working
Introduction
Inter-professional working is central to delivering safe, effective, and person-centred healthcare. It requires clear communication, mutual respect, and shared decision making between professionals and service users. When communication breaks down, especially with vulnerable patients, the quality of care can be negatively affected. This reflective account uses Driscoll’s Model of Reflection (2007) to explore a situation I observed during placement, where a doctor failed to communicate effectively with a patient experiencing anxiety. The reflection examines what happened, why it was significant, and how similar challenges can be reduced in future practice.
What?
During my placement, I observed a consultation between a doctor and a patient who had a diagnosed anxiety disorder. The patient attended the appointment to discuss concerns about their prescribed medication, explaining that it was causing unpleasant side effects and increasing their feelings of anxiety. I was present as a student observer and did not take part in the consultation.
The doctor appeared rushed and focused mainly on clinical data such as dosage, medical history, and previous prescriptions. The patient attempted several times to explain how the medication was affecting their daily life, including sleep disruption, panic symptoms, and fear of continuing the treatment. However, the doctor interrupted frequently and used complex medical terminology that the patient seemed to struggle to understand.
No attempt was made to explore the patient’s emotional state or to involve other professionals such as a mental health nurse, pharmacist, or GP with specialist knowledge of anxiety management. The consultation ended quickly, with the doctor advising the patient to continue the medication and return in several weeks. The patient left appearing distressed, confused, and unheard.
From an inter-professional perspective, the interaction highlighted a lack of collaborative working and poor communication between the doctor, the patient, and potentially relevant healthcare professionals.
So What?
This situation was significant because it demonstrated how poor communication can undermine inter-professional working and negatively impact patient care. Anxiety disorders often require a holistic approach that includes medical, psychological, and social support. The doctor’s narrow focus on medication meant that the patient’s lived experience was not fully acknowledged.
One key challenge was the power imbalance between the doctor and the patient. The doctor adopted a paternalistic approach, positioning themselves as the sole decision maker. This discouraged the patient from expressing concerns openly and limited shared decision making. For patients with anxiety, feeling dismissed can worsen symptoms and reduce trust in healthcare professionals.
Another contributing factor was the lack of collaboration with other professionals. Inter-professional working could have involved consulting a mental health specialist, referring the patient for counselling, or asking a pharmacist to review side effects. The absence of this teamwork suggests a siloed approach to care, where professionals work independently rather than collaboratively.
Time pressure may also have played a role. Busy clinical environments often limit opportunities for meaningful communication. However, effective inter-professional working relies on recognising when additional support is needed, even within time constraints.
As a student observer, this experience helped me understand how communication failures can affect patient outcomes and highlighted the importance of empathy, listening, and teamwork in professional practice.
Now What?
To reduce or eliminate similar challenges in the future, several actions are required at both individual and organisational levels.
Firstly, healthcare professionals should receive regular training in communication skills, particularly when working with patients who have mental health conditions such as anxiety. Using plain language, active listening, and open-ended questions can help patients feel heard and understood.
Secondly, inter-professional collaboration should be encouraged as standard practice. Doctors should recognise the value of other professionals and involve them when appropriate. For example, a referral to a mental health nurse or a medication review by a pharmacist could provide more comprehensive support for patients experiencing side effects.
Thirdly, patient-centred care should be prioritised. Shared decision making allows patients to participate actively in their treatment and improves adherence and satisfaction. Acknowledging emotional concerns is especially important for anxious patients, as it builds trust and reduces distress.
From my own professional development perspective, this experience reinforced the importance of advocacy. As I progress in my training, I aim to support patients by ensuring their voices are heard and by promoting collaborative working within healthcare teams. I will also reflect regularly on my communication style to ensure it is respectful, empathetic, and inclusive.
Overall, improving inter-professional working requires commitment from individuals and organisations to value communication, teamwork, and the patient experience.
