Team working is important to provide holistic care and to enable effective treatment. If you have asked a patients back ground you are more likely to take adequate precautions. For example post menisectomy: Asking the nurse When did they last have pain relief? Have they been up to the loo? Have they eaten? Were there any complications in surgery? As a physio obviously you need to read the notes but the nursing staff often know up to date information on the patient which are all vital in how you will carry out your treatment.