Best practices on team communication: interprofessional practice in oncology

Purpose of review Good communication is the cornerstone of interprofessional care teams providing optimized quality patient care. Over the last decade, advances in technology have provided tools to improve communication; however, opportunities still exist for innovation and implementation. Recent findings The literature suggests that interprofessional education and assessment of team communication are fundamental in supporting collaborative care. The literature favours an interactive, team-based approach (e.g. simulation) to learning about communication, in which communication competencies and behaviours are practiced explicitly in an open, feedback-rich environment. Summary Key elements of excellence in communication are embedded in three priority recommendations: first, the team must adopt a practice strategy that leverages accessible and timely communication second, the team must be open to initial and ongoing training within the domain of 'effective communication' third, communication must be the cornerstone to producing a high-performing team that will provide the best care possible. Correspondence to Lisa Di Prospero, Practice-Based Research and Innovation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Office Number D403b, Toronto, ON, Canada M4N 3M5. Tel: +1 416 480 6100x89513; fax: +1 416 480 5207; e-mail: lisa.diprospero@sunnybrook.ca Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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