Multi-disciplinary team meeting
A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting is a collaborative approach where healthcare professionals from various specialties come together to discuss patient care. This ensures comprehensive and cohesive treatment plans that address all aspects of a patient’s health.
How MDT meetings are done
An agenda is developed that outlines the cases to be discussed. In a Case Review, patient information, medical records, test results, and treatment history is collected and reviewed with the presence of all relevant professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers).
During the MDT, the patient’s case – including current health status, treatment progress – and any challenges are presented, and team members share insights, opinions, and expertise to develop a holistic care plan. The team then agree on the best course of action, including treatment modifications, additional tests, or referrals.
After the MDT, decisions made and the rationale behind them are recorded in the patient’s medical record, which is followed by communication with all relevant parties, including the patient and their family, about the care plan and next steps.
Frequency of MDT meetings
MDT meetings are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the patient load and the healthcare setting. Ad-Hoc meetings are additional meetings which can be convened for urgent cases that require immediate attention.
Involvement of patients and family members
In complex cases, patients and their families are involved in discussions to ensure their preferences and concerns are considered. The next of kins will also be involved in care planning and routine updates. You will be provided with clear and comprehensive explanations of the care plan and any decisions made. We encourage patients and families to ask questions and provide feedback to ensure they understand and agree with the proposed actions. Please note that we will only be able to speak directly with next of kin about the care of a loved one – we do rely on any information to be passed onto relatives if appropriate
Telephone updates, and patient privacy and dignity
For security purposes, a password is set to limit the recipient of information to patient-assigned or next of kin. We are going to ask for identification and password whenever a conversation about the patient with the member of staff is initiated.
Patient diaries
Diaries are designed for patients who remain unconscious for more than 2 days while in the critical care unit (CCU). The essence of the diary is to enable them to fill in the gaps during the times that they are sedated. The diary will be updated by the healthcare team during delivery of care. Family members are encouraged to write on it whenever they visit. However, on discharge, the patient decides if they would like to see or keep the diary when they are discharged.
