Pseudo-teams in Healthcare: The Perils of Impersonating a Cohesive Unit

Teamwork is a critical aspect of healthcare and is widely recognised as a cornerstone of effective patient care. However, not all healthcare teams are created equal, and some teams that appear to work well together on the surface are better described as pseudo-teams rather than true teams. This issue is frequently disregarded and overlooked despite its importance, yet it significantly impacts patient care and staff morale. We wish to describe the concept of pseudo teams in healthcare, their perils, and ways to create true teams characterised by shared goals, open communication, and a commitment to each other’s success.