Your MDT: who is is your team?
Work through the learning material for this week to explore the roles within the core MDT and wider network, reflect on how services are organised locally, and consider the accessibility and coordination of support in your area.
Welcome to week 2.
This week, you will explore the roles and responsibilities of the core MDT and wider network involved in supporting people living with MND. You will also reflect on how services are organised within your own area and consider the accessibility and coordination of support.
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 two of the course.
Last week, you explored the theories and principles of multidisciplinary care and began reflecting on your own experiences of MDT working.
This week, you will identify the various roles you might expect to find within an MDT. The NICE guideline outlines recommendations for both the core MDT and the wider network involved in supporting people living with MND.
You will consider how these roles are represented within your own area, including how some responsibilities may be covered by other disciplines where services differ locally.
As you explore the ideal MDT structure and compare this with the MDT available in your own area, keep the following focus questions in mind:
- Who makes up the core MDT and wider network recommended for effective MND care?
- Who are the members of your own MDT and wider network?
- How accessible is the core team in your area?
- How prompt are referrals to the wider team and the actions that follow referral?
This is an excellent opportunity to develop a greater understanding of your colleagues and the support network available within your area. You may also identify gaps in provision and opportunities to strengthen collaboration or access to services.
By the end of the week, you should have developed a useful directory of contacts, services and sources of support relevant to your practice.
Focus questions
- Who makes up the core MDT and wider network recommended for effective MND care?
- Who are the members of your own MDT and wider network?
- How accessible is the core team in your area?
- How prompt are referrals to the wider team and the actions that follow referral?
Recommended reading
Recommendations 1.5.4 and 1.5.5 within NICE guideline NG42 describe the core MDT and wider network considered necessary for effective MND care.
In practice, MDTs may be organised in different ways. Some teams operate virtually, coordinating care through shared communication and collaborative working across services. Others meet regularly in person to discuss cases and plan care. Regardless of structure, the shared goal is to provide coordinated, person centred support.
Essential reading
Make sure you read recommendations 1.5.4 and 1.5.5 within the Organisation of care section of NICE guideline NG42.
If you have additional time, you may also wish to explore other recommendations within NICE guideline NG42:
Motor neurone disease: assessment and management. NICE guideline [NG42]