Clinical Care Team

What is a clinical care team?

Your clinical care team is a group of healthcare providers who work together to care for you at a hospital. Each provider brings unique knowledge and skills to the team. You may see some providers often — like the main doctor who leads the team (attending physician) or your nurses. Others you may only see once or twice. But they all contribute toward giving you the best possible care.

What is the role of the care team?

The purpose of a clinical care team is to diagnose and treat conditions that put your health or life at risk. Hospital care teams are prepared to manage everything from seasonal infections to long-term (chronic) conditions. If you’re having surgery, you can trust that a care team is ready to get you from prep to recovery. Each member of the team plays an instrumental part to help speed up your recovery, maintain your health and improve your well-being.

Whether it’s for one night or many months, a hospital stay can feel scary. You might not know what to expect. Your loved ones may be worried and anxiously awaiting news. Your care team knows this isn’t easy. They’ll tend to your medical and emotional needs and also be there for your loved ones.

For example, a psychologist helps you work through the emotions you’re feeling. A social worker connects you with resources as you prepare to return home. A dietitian makes sure you’re getting the right nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at all these different types of providers and how they help you.

Who’s on my clinical care team?

Exactly who’s on your team varies according to your medical needs. Also, different hospitals have different ways of organizing their teams. In general, you’ll have doctors, nurses, therapists, techs, aides and other experts who each play a role in your care.

Hospital patient care personnel

Your clinical care team may include:

Attending physicians

You’ll typically have one attending physician who leads the team and makes sure everyone’s on the same page. This is often a doctor with special training in caring for people in hospitals (hospitalist). In some cases, your attending physician might be your primary care provider, a surgeon or another type of specialist.

Specialist physicians

These are doctors with expertise in a certain area of medicine. They help with diagnosis and treatment. The types of specialists on your team depend on your needs. Common examples include heart doctors (cardiologists), kidney doctors (nephrologists), cancer specialists (oncologists) and various types of surgeons.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs)

NPs and PAs are often called advanced practice providers. They work with your attending physician to make sure you get the care you need from day to day.

Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

These nurses quickly become familiar faces because they interact with you often. RNs give you medications and keep a close eye on how you’re doing. LPNs check your vital signs and help with daily tasks like getting dressed or using the bathroom.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)

These providers are sometimes called patient care technicians or nurses’ aides. They work closely with nurses to make sure all your needs are met. They might bring you a blanket if you’re cold or help you with eating or moving. They’re often the ones holding your hand and reassuring you in some of the scariest moments.

Speech-language pathologists

Some conditions affect your ability to swallow and/or speak. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can teach you techniques for safe swallowing. They can also help you form words and produce sounds so you can talk with others. If speaking isn’t possible, they’ll teach you how to use assistive devices to communicate.

Occupational and physical therapists

Occupational therapists help you do activities of daily living (ADLs) as independently as possible. Physical therapists help you move safely during and after your hospital stay. For example, they can help you regain your strength after surgery or bed rest.

Respiratory therapists

You may need a respiratory therapist on your team to help maintain or restore your lung function. If you’re in the intensive care unit (ICU), a respiratory therapist may connect you to mechanical ventilation or do other procedures to help you breathe.

Pharmacists

A clinical pharmacist works with your attending physician and other members of your care team. They make sure the medicines you’re taking are safe for you and won’t interact with each other. They may also teach you about your medicines and answer your questions.

Dietitians

Your dietitian makes sure you get the nutrition you need in the form that’s right for you. They plan meals you chew and swallow, as well as nutrition you get through a tube or IV.

Mental health professionals

A psychologist or another type of mental health professional may be part of your team. They help you and your loved ones process the emotions you’re feeling. Some research shows that working with a psychologist while you’re in an intensive care unit (ICU) can lower your risk of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

Social workers

Your social worker helps you plan for life after your hospital stay. They connect you with resources and services that support your recovery. They also help arrange for things you might need when you’re back home, like special beds or mobility devices.

Nonclinical staff

Besides these healthcare providers, your care team might also include nonclinical staff. This is an umbrella category for people like:

• Interpreters, who support communication between you and your providers
• Clergy, who offer spiritual support
• Patient advocates (sometimes called ombudsmen), who are available to discuss any concerns you might have about the care you’re receiving