Fostering Collaboration and Managing Conflict in the MDT

Conflicts within an MDT can arise in several ways — between professionals, across service providers, or even between professionals and family members. The source of the conflict isn’t always obvious, but the impact can be significant, leading to delays in care, stress for all involved, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for the client.

Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) are essential to delivering high-quality, holistic care. However, with multiple professionals bringing different expertise, values, and working styles to the table, conflict is often an inevitable part of the process. Case managers play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and ensuring that conflict is managed constructively, so it doesn't derail progress or compromise the care provided to clients.

Common types of conflict

Power Struggles Between Professionals: Team members may advocate strongly for their own discipline's approach, leading to tension or a lack of cohesion.
Strategy: Encourage a shared decision-making framework that values input from all disciplines. Facilitated team meetings, clear agendas, and rotating chairs can help level the playing field and promote mutual respect

Mismatched Expectations: When roles and responsibilities aren’t clearly defined, misunderstandings can easily occur. Team members may step on each other’s toes or miss important responsibilities, eroding trust..
Strategy: Take time at the outset to clarify roles, document agreements, and revisit these when the team dynamic shifts. Transparent communication early on prevents unnecessary friction later.

Personality Clashes: Even the most experienced professionals can struggle with colleagues who have very different communication styles or working habits. These differences, if left unchecked, can escalate and affect team morale.
Strategy: Support ongoing professional development in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. Encouraging reflective practice and offering space for informal check-ins can help ease tensions.

Competing Priorities: Different professionals may prioritise goals differently based on their own frameworks or service pressures, which can delay key decisions or dilute the focus.
Strategy: Keep the client at the centre of decision-making. When everyone is aligned around what’s best for the client, compromise becomes more achievable and delays are reduced.

Resistance to Change:Some team members may be hesitant to adopt new ways of working or collaborative processes, especially if they’re used to working in silos.
Strategy: Emphasise the evidence-based benefits of integrated working. Offering training, peer support, or shadowing opportunities can help team members adjust and buy into the new approach.

Conflict Between Family Members and Professionals:Family members often play a vital role in a client’s care and may bring strong views, high emotions, and detailed knowledge of the client’s needs. When they feel unheard, or when their views clash with clinical recommendations, tensions can rise.
Strategy: Case managers can bridge this gap by validating the family’s concerns while also explaining the rationale behind professional decisions. Creating space for structured, empathetic conversations — ideally with all parties present — helps ensure families feel involved and respected. It's also important to acknowledge the emotional toll on families and direct them to support services when needed..

How you can support the team dynamic.

As the hub of the MDT, case managers are uniquely positioned to set the tone for collaboration. Your leadership shapes how the team communicates, addresses disagreement, and keeps the client’s needs at the forefront. The ability to mediate, coach, and lead with empathy is a critical skill set — and one that continues to evolve with experience.

Conflict doesn’t have to be destructive. In fact, when managed well, it can lead to innovation, improved processes, and stronger team relationships. By proactively addressing the sources of tension and reinforcing a culture of respect and collaboration, case managers can turn challenging dynamics into opportunities for growth and better client outcomes.

If you are experiencing some conflict or difficulties within an MDT, please feel free to reach out to our team to learn more about our Case Manager Confidential drop-in sessions. These sessions are for Case Managers to get more tailored support when dealing with situations arising in difficult cases. Please contact sarahsawyer@healthyyoultd.co.uk for more information.