What an MDT looks like

What an MDT looks like

A multidisciplinary team (MDTMDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre.) is a group of professionals working together with the person at the heart. MDTsMDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. can be in place in primary, secondary, and community settings. Working this way allows a wrap-around, holistic approach to supporting individuals — looking at everything that affects their health and wellbeing, exploring problems, and reaching shared solutions.

What an MDT typically includes

Depending on local arrangements, an MDTMDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. may include:

• GPsGP— General PractitionerA doctor providing primary care, sometimes also called a family physician. Each SPLW should have a clinical supervisor — often a GP — accountable for clinical aspects of the role. and practice nurses
• Mental health practitioners (e.g. primary care mental health practitioners, talking-therapy services)
• Social workers
• Pharmacists
• Allied Health Professionals (physios, OTs, dietitians)
• Care co-ordinators and Health and Wellbeing Coaches
• Social Prescribing Link Workers
• Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSEVCSE— Voluntary, Community and Social EnterpriseSector encompassing charities, community groups and social enterprises. Sometimes called the 'third sector', 'nonprofit sector' or 'civil society' in other countries.) sector colleagues invited where they add value to a specific case.

How SPLWs contribute

SPLWsSPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. must be embedded within the primary care team and fully integrated within the MDTMDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. — a core expectation of the WHISWHIS— World Health Innovation SummitEstablished in 2015 to improve health and wellbeing outcomes through innovation, education and partnerships. Co-developer (with GSPA) of the WHIS Social Prescribing Link Worker programme. programme.

• SPLWsSPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. do not lead or convene MDTMDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. meetings, but they may present a patient in the same way other colleagues do.
• They attend MDTMDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. meetings to offer expertise on where SPLWSPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. or community support could help the person.
• They make sure that social, emotional and practical needs are visible alongside clinical ones — so the team can plan support that addresses all of them.
• Where the clinical situation is complex, SPLWsSPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. check goals and plans with a clinician involved in the case.

Why this is good for patients

Considering care from this MDTMDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. perspective enables patients to make the most of clinical treatment available, by building support networks and reducing barriers to accessing care.

What good MDT working requires from the team

• Regular meetings with a clear purpose and structure.
• Roles understood — the SPLWSPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. shouldn't have to explain themselves at every meeting.
• A culture where non-clinical roles are heard.
• A way for VCSEVCSE— Voluntary, Community and Social EnterpriseSector encompassing charities, community groups and social enterprises. Sometimes called the 'third sector', 'nonprofit sector' or 'civil society' in other countries. colleagues to be invited to specific case discussions where helpful.