MDT Reform
Case for Change
MDT working is the gold standard in cancer patient management and has not changed significantly since 1995. Due to a significant increase in caseload and a change in case-mix including patients with greater comorbidities as a result of an ageing population and increase in complexity of treatments. The number and complexity of cases to be discussed has not been matched by any increase in time set aside for the MDT. MDT meetings require adequate preparation, effective chairing with engagement and proactive involvement of MDT members to ensure proper discussion of the case and the ability to encapsulate the discussion into a clear outcome. With this in mind, MDT reform aims to streamline MDT meetings across Greater Manchester and aid the challenging prospect of reform.
Kate Williams
Kate Williams is the clinical lead for MDT Reform in Greater Manchester. She is a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at North Manchester General Hospital.
Suzanne LilleyKeeping the patient at the heart of MDT reform
Patients said…
“I had no understanding of an MDT, none whatsoever”
David McLenachan, User Involvement Rep
So we produced patient accessible resources…
Patient Infographic
Benefits
- Improving the effectiveness of cancer MDT’s across GM and EC, ensuring streamlined processes / standards of care pathways are developed and implemented to make the best use of clinical time and resources.
- Improving patient outcomes through robust auditing processes.
- Improved effectiveness of the time all members of the MDT in general and radiologists and pathologists in particular, spend on MDTMs.
- Specialism attendance will be assured, allowing for comprehensive discussion and decision making, including access and suitability for clinical trials.
- Standardising the method in ensuring patients psychosocial needs are taken into consideration
- Reduced variation in MDT functioning across GM and East Cheshire.
