The multidisciplinary approach and the NICE Guideline on MND (NG42)
Work through the learning material for this week to explore the principles of multidisciplinary working in MND care, examine NICE guideline NG42, and reflect on the benefits and challenges of coordinated team working.
In this first week, you will explore the principles of multidisciplinary working and consider both the benefits and challenges of this approach in MND care. You will also begin to critically explore NICE guideline NG42 and the accompanying quality standards relating to the organisation of care.
Start by watching this short video introduction from Sally Mercer, which outlines the focus of this week’s learning.
Video transcript
Hello and welcome to week one of the course.
This week, you have the opportunity to explore the broad concepts of multidisciplinary working and consider both its benefits and challenges. You will also investigate the NICE MND guideline NG42.
The guideline is a long document, so you are not expected to read it all at this point. I recommend that you focus initially on the specific recommendations relating to effective multidisciplinary care. Of course, you can read further this week if you are interested, and you will most certainly find it useful to explore recommendations relevant to your own professional area in the future.
You have a range of resources this week to help you explore multidisciplinary working. As you work through them, keep the following focus questions in mind to help organise your thoughts and reflections:
- What is meant by a multidisciplinary approach?
- Why is a multidisciplinary approach important, particularly for people living with MND?
- Which aspects of MND care require the input of a multidisciplinary team?
- What are your experiences of multidisciplinary working?
For example, when considering the question of what is meant by a multidisciplinary approach, you may already have your own understanding of this. It can be helpful to make a note of your thoughts now and reflect on whether your perspective changes as you work through the week.
Focus questions
- What is meant by a multidisciplinary approach?
- Why is a multidisciplinary approach important, particularly for people living with MND?
- Which aspects of MND care require input from a multidisciplinary team?
- What are your experiences of multidisciplinary working?
Background reading
A multidisciplinary approach to care has been promoted through a range of initiatives and publications over many years.
Published in 2016, the NICE guideline Motor neurone disease: assessment and management (NG42) highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care for people living with MND. Section 9, Organisation of care, outlines recommendations 1.5.1 to 1.5.12 relating to the structure and delivery of coordinated care.
NICE recommendation 1.5.1 states:
“Provide coordinated care for people with MND, using a clinic based specialist MND multidisciplinary approach. The clinic may be community or hospital based.”
Essential reading
Motor neurone disease: assessment and management. NICE guideline [NG42] – please focus on Section 9: Organisation of care.
Further reading
If you have additional time, you may also find the following resources helpful: