In a Pain Unit, where teams are often made up of different specialists, building trust and respect is key. From my experience, it starts with recognizing everyone’s expertise. I make sure to listen to each team member, whether they’re a physician from a different specialty, nurse, physical therapist, or psychologist. I set the tone by being approachable and encouraging open communication. I make it clear that everyone’s voice matters and that disagreements should be addressed respectfully, always with the patient’s best interest in mind. It’s not about being in charge - it’s about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard. That’s when the team works best. Has worked so far for me.

Communication is the key to build trust and prosper bonds. Efforts should be made for open communication such as: 1. Making each team member heard. That is, considering their voice and opinion. 2. Make each one of them feel inclusive and at the same time aware of the rules that in no way they hurt their fellow colleagues dignity. 3. Calling for weekly team bonding sessions, quick meetings, etc to help them know each other well. 4. Switching the departmental duties or rotations so that the environment doesn't become monotonous and all employees get to work with each other.

In my opinion, building trust and mutual respect within an interdisciplinary healthcare team requires fostering open communication & valuing each member’s contributions. Leading with integrity, respecting diverse expertise, and treating all disciplines as equal partners in patient care are essential. Collaboration should be encouraged through regular discussions, while individual contributions are celebrated, and opportunities for professional growth are provided. Addressing conflicts constructively & aligning team around the shared goal of delivering exceptional patient outcomes are critical. By emphasizing inclusivity, transparency & the significance of each role, we can create a trusted environment that enhances teamwork & care delivery.

Sometimes we learn what not to do from others. When I was a resident, I made a suggestion to the attending on rounds. He dismissed what I said. When I pressed him to explain, he looked at me and declared that he was the attending with many more years experience and he as right and I was wrong. I have never forgotten how small he made me feel and I vowed not to do the same to others. It was one of the best lessons I learned…on what not to do. If I can avoid doing to others what he did to me, I am on the right path to building trust and mutual respect in an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Créer un espace de dialogue ouvert : "J’organise régulièrement des moments d’échange où chacun peut s’exprimer sans crainte, que ce soit pour partager une idée, une inquiétude ou simplement un ressenti. Ces espaces permettent à chaque membre de l’équipe de se sentir écouté et valorisé." Rappeler notre vision commune : "Je prends le temps de rappeler les objectifs qui nous rassemblent, en mettant en avant l’impact que notre travail a sur les bénéficiaires. Chacun a un r?le clé, et c’est en travaillant ensemble que nous pouvons vraiment faire la différence." Valoriser l’expertise de chacun : "J’encourage chaque membre à partager ses compétences, par exemple en animant des ateliers ou en expliquant un cas pratique.