A multidisciplinary team (MDT) is composed of members from different healthcare professions with specialised skills and expertise. The members collaborate together to make treatment recommendations that facilitate quality patient care. Multidisciplinary teams form one aspect of the provision of a streamlined patient journey by developing individual treatment plans that are based on 'best practice'. Multidisciplinary teams aim to address treatment that is focused on both the physical and psychological needs of the person diagnosed with cancer.
In relation to cancer care, MDTs may include any of the following health care professionals, depending on the type of cancer involved and the services available in particular locations:
- Haematologist
- Medical oncologist
- Radiation oncologist
- Specialist surgeon
- General Surgeon
- Pathologist
- Cancer care nurse
- Breast cancer nurse
- Cancer care coordinator
- Chemotherapy nurse
- Allied health professionals (such as nutritionists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, speech pathologists and social workers).
- General practitioners (GPs)
MDTs in the Northern Territory (NT)
There are currently two cancer-related MDTs in the NT focusing on 'surgery/oncology' and 'head/neck' cancer. Both of these MDTs are situated at the Royal Darwin Hospital.CanNET NT has undertaken an audit of these MDT meetings as one aspect of understanding and improving cancer services in the Territory. The audit has highlighted the importance of developing and maintaining communication links between MDTs, consumers of cancer services, primary care professionals (GPs) and rural/remote clinics.
