Multidisciplinary approaches increase the likelihood of people being managed in a holistic, and person and family-centred manner.
As the number of health professionals observing the person increases, the likelihood of needs being overlooked reduces. Multidisciplinary teams (MDT) also enhance and expand the sources of support for the person and family, providing more opportunities to express concern, discuss symptoms and management options, resulting in better experiences of care.[1]
A plan of care is developed through contributions from all relevant disciplines and is based on a comprehensive assessment of the person and their family’s needs. The team works independently, and together with the person and their family, to clarify goals of care and develop a coordinated, needs-based palliative care plan.
Meetings
The MDT meet on a regular basis to discuss each person and their family’s needs, develop or adjust the plan of care to align with their goals and wishes, and reach a consensus on next steps.
In addition to these functions, MDT meetings also have other benefits, including providing team members with opportunities to:
- Gain awareness and appreciate of views of different professions and disciplines
- Learn from and give / receive support among team members in dealing with the nature of palliative care work.[2]
The person and their family are not usually part of regular MDT meetings. However, family meetings are often organised between one or more of the team members and the person and family. These meetings can help to families to better understand approaches to care, and enable them to be involved in decision-making processes.[11]
This CareSearch resource provides some further information on family meetings.
Thinking Points
- When and how can person and family input be facilitated in the care planning process?
- What strategies can be used to ensure the contribution of a range of different service providers is optimised when planning multidisciplinary care?
References
- Fernando, G & Hughes, S, 2019. Team approaches in palliative care: a review of the literature, International Journal of Palliative Nursing 25(9)
- Borgstrom, E et al. 2021. Multidisciplinary team meetings in palliative care: an ethnographic study. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 14(e1).
- CareSearch. 2021. Family meetings