Which strategy best addresses role ambiguity in interprofessional teams?

• A. Increased communication training
• B. Clear role definitions and protocols
• C. More informal expectations
• D. Administrative overhead

Answer: (B)

Ambiguity in roles stalls teamwork, so the strongest fix is having clear definitions of who is responsible for each task and written protocols that guide how care is delivered. When roles and decision-making authority are explicitly stated and codified, every team member knows who leads each aspect of care, who contributes, and how tasks move from one person to the next. This shared understanding reduces overlap, prevents gaps, and speeds coordinated action, which directly addresses role ambiguity. While training in communication can help interactions, it doesn’t by itself establish who does what. Relying on informal expectations leaves important boundaries unclear, and adding administrative load without clear roles can slow things down without solving the core issue.