Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) have emerged as a cornerstone of healthcare transformation, aiming to provide more coordinated, proactive, and person-centred care. These teams are particularly critical in supporting individuals with complex needs, such as those with multiple long-term conditions or frailty. However, not all INTs achieve their potential. High-performing INTs stand out for their ability to align diverse professionals around a shared mission, leverage data and collaboration, and prioritize patient-centred approaches. By fostering trust, communication, and continuous learning, these teams can significantly improve care outcomes and patient experience while reducing inefficiencies.
Drawing on the literature about team performance and the functioning of MDTs/INTs we believe that high performing INTs should display the following characteristics:
1. Clear Purpose
A high-performing INT has a well-defined purpose that guides its actions and decisions. This purpose is supported by measurable goals and robust metrics to track progress, ensuring that the team remains focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for its community.
2. Integrity in Action
Team members prioritize the shared purpose of the INT over individual professional or organizational interests. This commitment to collective goals fosters trust and ensures that decisions and behaviours are consistently aligned with the team’s mission.
3. Data-Driven Intelligence
Access to both population-level and patient-level data is essential. High-performing INTs use these insights to identify health trends, allocate resources effectively, and tailor interventions to meet the needs of the local community.
4. Role Appreciation
Successful teams operate with mutual respect and a deep understanding of each member’s expertise. By valuing each contribution, high-performing INTs leverage the collective strengths of healthcare professionals, social workers, and community partners.
5. Flat Hierarchies
High-performing INTs minimize rigid hierarchies, encouraging open communication and collaborative problem-solving. This inclusivity empowers all members to contribute ideas and take initiative.
6. Continuous Learning and Development
A culture of reflection and improvement is key. High-performing INTs use data, including patient feedback, to evaluate and enhance their performance. Ongoing development ensures the team evolves to meet changing needs.
7. Person-Centred and Strengths-Based Approach
Patients are engaged as active partners in care design, decision-making, and planning. By focusing on individual strengths and preferences, high-performing INTs deliver care that is truly tailored and empowering.
Conclusion
High-performing INTs exemplify the power of collaboration, purpose, and adaptability in delivering integrated care. By aligning around a shared vision, fostering respect for diverse roles, and using data to inform decisions, these teams can provide holistic, community-centred care that meets the complex needs of patients. Equally important is their commitment to person-centred approaches, ensuring that patients are not just recipients of care but active participants in their health journeys. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, investing in the development of high-performing INTs offers a pathway to achieving better outcomes, improved patient experiences, and more sustainable care delivery.
