Which of the following would NOT contribute to effective interdisciplinary teamwork?

• A. Effective and consistent communication
• B. Trust and mutual respect
• C. Isolation of team members
• D. Recognition and valuation

Answer: (C)

Effective interdisciplinary teamwork hinges on open communication, trust and mutual respect, and recognizing each team member’s contribution. Isolation of team members would not contribute because it creates silos that cut off the flow of information and hinder coordinated problem solving. When people work in isolation, important observations, updates, and perspectives from different disciplines may be missed, increasing the chance of errors and delays in care.

In contrast, clear and consistent communication keeps everyone informed and aligned; trust and mutual respect encourage team members to speak up about concerns and share expertise without fear; and recognizing and valuing each contribution boosts morale and engagement across disciplines. Together, these elements support cohesive, safer, and more effective teamwork.