Crossing Disciplines

I am always excited by opportunities to team treat. It can be a great way to share information, and I find that working with other disciplines enhances the music and sense of community a patient may feel, especially as a long hospitalization leads to feelings of isolation and despair. It also is affirming for the patient to know that disciplines are in contact about his/her care and are working together toward continuity of care.

In the NICU, we work closely with nursing. Several of the nurses have favorite lullabies and request music therapy to assist with procedures-to reduce pain. The singing comforts the infants, and provides a means of support for the staff as well. In the Oncology unit, working with chaplains, assisting prayer with melody can enhance a spiritual journey for a patient and family. Working on the Spine Unit with PT, using rhythm and drumming to instill a sense of resilience can offer strength and a 'groove' (or a cognitive incentive with a structure for release) for patients and staff, physical tasks can become more motivating with rhythm. (Where would we be without our ipods at the gym?)

I would love to read about how you co-treat...what are some of the best moments or scenarios where you might call on a fellow team member to assist-or where are you often called to assist another team member?