Multidisciplinary Care
A Multidisciplinary Approach
Multidisciplinary care (MDC) is an integrated team approach to health care, in which medical and allied health care professionals consider all relevant treatment options, and develop collaboratively an individual personalised treatment plan for each patient. All relevant health professionals discuss options, and make joint recommendations about treatment and supportive care plans, taking into account the personal preferences of the patient.
Why is it Important?
Multidisciplinary care allows all relevant disciplines to contribute to decisions about the care of patients with cancer. Using a team approach to cancer care ensures there is input from all disciplines, not just one. This provides up to date evidence-based and well balanced recommendations for effective treatment and optimal outcomes.
Benefits of Multidisciplinary Approach Care
- Receive care in accordance with clinical practice guidelines
- All treatment options can be considered, and treatment plans tailored for individual patients
- Referral pathways are more likely to be streamlined and care is coordinated
- Security for the patient that care is being managed by an expert team
- Patient care is evidence-based
- Increased access to information, particularly about psychosocial and practical support
- Increased patient satisfaction with care
Who Participates in Meetings?
Core Team Members
- Urologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Anatomic Pathologists
- Radiologists
- Oncology care nurses
- Trial coordinators
- Supportive care team
- Other relevant specialty team
Multidisciplinary Approach Key Principles
- Communication among team members regarding treatment planning
- Access to the full range of treatment options for all patients, regardless of geographical remoteness or size of the institution
- Provision of care in accordance with nationally and internationally agreed standards