What does transparency mean in interprofessional team communication, and how does it affect trust?

• A. It means sharing only outcomes; reduces trust.
• B. It means withholding information; harms trust.
• C. It means sharing all private documents; violates privacy.
• D. It means open sharing of relevant information and reasoning; builds trust and safety.

Answer: (D)

Transparency in interprofessional team communication means openly sharing information that is relevant to the work, including the reasoning and context behind decisions, not just the final outcomes. When team members understand why a course of action was chosen and have access to the related data and assumptions, trust grows because people feel informed, can verify what’s being done, and know there are no hidden agendas. This openness also creates a sense of psychological safety, where colleagues can speak up, ask questions, and contribute ideas without fear of judgment. Sharing only outcomes or withholding information leaves others in the dark and can spark suspicion or misinterpretation, while exposing private documents can violate privacy and erode professional boundaries. So, open sharing of relevant information and reasoning best supports trust and a safe, collaborative environment.