1. Why this case offers an example of a virtual team, and in what ways are the members on this team dispersed (i.e., location, organization, culture, etc.):
Consistent with the definition of virtual teams on page 73, this team consists of “geographically and/or organizationally dispersed coworkers that are assembled using a combination of telecommunications and information technologies to accomplish an organizational task.” The physicians work for different organizations and are in different locations. Point out to the students that virtual teams may also consist of team members who are in different countries or who work for the same company in the same location, but on a different time shift.
2. The advantages of the virtual team described in this case:
This virtual teams to provide input to the patient on treatment options (Though not clear from the case, it may also allow a better diagnostic to be made.) Thus, the patients can draw on the knowledge of many doctors. These doctors located in other locations may know about innovative treatments or may have a fresh look on the treatment options.
3. The technological support that is needed for the virtual team to meet its goals:
The case mentions a real-time shared data network. Other technology support may include electronic collaboration systems, electronic repositories, and video teleconferencing.
4. Possible suggestions that can be offered to Dr. Esserman for managing this virtual team:
This question is an excellent tool for exploring the issues in managing virtual teams. Below are some of the issues that may emerge
- Compensation:
– How will the team members be compensated for their participation? For the team to work over a long term, some system will need to be devised to compensate the physicians for their time. Since the quality of their input will continue to be important for these virtual teams, there needs to be some motivation for the physicians’ participation. - Liability:
– Considering the widespread concern for medical malpractice, who will assume the responsibility for problem cases? The students may respond the physician who serves as the initial point of contact, but it may not be possible to so neatly restrict liability. - Rotating leadership:
– Who will lead the teams? How will the differences of opinion be handled? Though little research has been conducted on virtual team leadership, the popular press describes a phenomenon that appears to be somewhat unique: rotating leadership. In the virtual team described here, the initial physician who was contacted may serve as the leader on a particular case. Leadership rotates with each case. The leader of the team for each case can be responsible for uncovering and handling differences of opinion. - Communication:
– How will the information be communicated to the patient? Who will be responsible for maintaining the communication technology? Students may be concerned that the sensitive information has to be communicated via face-to-face communications, the richest communication tool. However, other students will probably point out the cost and other difficulties in getting all physicians on the team together to discuss treatment options with the patient. This discussion can be very useful to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of virtual teams. Other forms of communication (i.e., video conferences) or approaches (having the physician who is the initial point of contact summarize the discussion) can be discussed. - Technology support:
– Who will provide the technology support? These teams will only be able to work if the hospitals provide adequate support of compatible technologies. However, in addition to the technology support for each organization, someone will need to actively coordinate with the appropriate support personnel in each organization to ensure that the technologies of each organization can continue to interface with one another. Technological support raises a non-trivial cost issue. - Privacy/security:
– How will the confidentiality of patient records be maintained? In a world increasingly concerned about privacy, the confidentiality of patient records must be addressed.
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