The benefits of adopting a multidisciplinary care (MDC) team approach include:
For patients:
- increased survival for patients managed by a MDC team
- shorter timeframes from diagnosis to treatment
- greater likelihood of receiving care in accord with clinical practice guidelines, including psychosocial support
- increased access to information
- improved satisfaction with treatment and care.
For health professionals:
- improved patient care and outcomes through the development of an agreed treatment plan
- streamlined treatment pathways and reduction in duplication of services
- improved coordination of care
- educational opportunities for health professionals
- improved mental well-being of health professionals
“The benefits have spread into all our activities… its made a complete difference to the whole specialist network in the hospital.”