Reflection

Throughout my placement on Redbrook ward, i have had the opportunity to be involved and take part in MDT meetings. By producing the following table, i was able to understand why having MDT meetings are important, and the importance they have on effective patient care.

Structure
Membership & Attendance
Technology (availability and use)
Physical environment of the meeting venue Preparation for MDT meetings Organisation/administration during MDT meetings

Clinical Decision Making
Case management and clinical decision-making process
Team-working
Patient-centred care/co-ordination of service

Team Governance
Leadership
Data collection, analysis and audit of outcomes Clinical governance

Professional development and education of team members
Development and training.

So what?
MDT meetings happen weekly on the ward, usually fridays as this is when the appropriate staff are available and patient’s are usually eager to be discharged before the weekend. MDT meetings can happen for various reasons, such as; change in the patient’s care plan or new diagnostic information. In my case, the MDT meeting was to promote discharge, and ensure all professionals caring for the patients were up to date and aware of the care the patient was receiving at the present time.
When it has been determined that a patient is medically ready for discharge, the health care team must determine the most appropriate setting for ongoing care. Determinants of the appropriate site of care involve medical, functional, and social aspects of the patient's illness. The patient’s acute and chronic medical conditions, potential for rehabilitation, and decision-making capacity must be taken into account.
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