Multidisciplinary Teams in Healthcare: What does it all mean?

The Federal Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Butler MP in his recent pre-budget announcements about strengthening Medicare has paved the way for funding for multidisciplinary teams in healthcare.  But what does this even mean? Below we break down what a multidisciplinary team is and what is already happening at a state level to implement this approach.  

What is a multidisciplinary team in healthcare? 

A multidisciplinary team in healthcare refers to a group of healthcare professionals from different disciplines who work together to provide holistic, integrated care for a patient. The team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, allied health professionals, care coordinators and other practitioners who have different areas of expertise and can offer a range of perspectives on the patient's condition.  

The goal of the multidisciplinary team is to collaborate and coordinate care to ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate, effective, and patient-centred care possible. By working together, the multidisciplinary team can address multiple aspects of the patient's condition and tailor treatment plans to meet the patient's individual needs. 

Leading multidisciplinary teams. 

Which disciplines a patient has in their multidisciplinary care team and who leads the team varies depending on the patients’ condition/s and its progression as well as demographic and social factors that might influence their needs. Currently in Australia, the coordination of communication across disciplines by the patient or their carers is usually led by the patient’s General Practitioner (GPs). 

Below are some simple examples* of current GP-led care teams: 

*Examples are provided as a guide only and may vary depending on specific patient condition needs. 

Minster Butler has signalled via the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report that the future of primary care delivery in Australia is a team sport, underpinned by better digital health capability. Transparency of patient data unlocks the ability for other disciplines such as nurses and allied health professionals to lead conversations and help GPs share the load. 

Additionally, multidisciplinary teams are a key element of shifting to a Value-based Health Care delivery model - a model designed to improve patient outcomes and streamline the provision of care. 

Are any States and Territories in Australia already working in multidisciplinary teams? 

Many states in Australia have begun with pilots or full implementations of multidisciplinary teams to improve healthcare outcomes for patients. Here is a quick snapshot of which ones are underway and where to find out more: 

New South Wales:  

The New South Wales (NSW) government has implemented multidisciplinary teams in several areas of healthcare, including cancer care, mental health, and chronic disease management. For example, the NSW Cancer Institute has established multidisciplinary teams to coordinate cancer care for patients, and the NSW Ministry of Health has implemented multidisciplinary teams to support the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes. NSW is the most advanced State with their Value-based Health Care implementation. 

Multidisciplinary Team Care - HealthOne NSW 

Victoria:  

The Victorian government has implemented multidisciplinary teams in a range of healthcare settings, including cancer care, mental health, and palliative care. The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, for example, has established multidisciplinary teams to coordinate cancer care for patients and the Victorian government has implemented multidisciplinary teams in mental health services to improve patient outcomes. 

Multidisciplinary care (health.vic.gov.au)

Queensland:  

The Queensland government has implemented multidisciplinary teams in a range of healthcare settings, including cancer care, rehabilitation, and chronic disease management. The Queensland Cancer Control Analysis Team has established multidisciplinary teams to coordinate cancer care for patients, and the Queensland Health Chronic Disease Program has implemented multidisciplinary teams to support the management of chronic conditions. 

Queensland Health do not have specific guidelines around multidisciplinary teams, but you can read more about their approach to Value Based Healthcare on their website. 

Geriatric care multidisciplinary team example: Multidisciplinary team approach | Clinical Excellence Queensland

South Australia:  

The South Australian government has implemented multidisciplinary teams in a range of healthcare settings, including cancer care, mental health, and palliative care. For example, the South Australian Cancer Service has established multidisciplinary teams to coordinate cancer care for patients, and the South Australian Mental Health Commission has implemented multidisciplinary teams to improve the management of mental health conditions. 

South Australia is supporting innovation in healthcare through its Commission for Excellence & Innovation in Health: Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Health (ceih.sa.gov.au) 

Western Australia:  

The Western Australian government has implemented multidisciplinary teams in a range of healthcare settings, including cancer care, mental health, and palliative care. The Western Australian Cancer and Palliative Care Network has established multidisciplinary teams to coordinate cancer and palliative care for patients, and the Western Australian Department of Health has implemented multidisciplinary teams in mental health services to improve patient outcomes. 

Read more about Western Australia’s approach to Value-based Health Care in the WA Health Strategic Intent 2015 – 2020.

It is worth noting that while many states have piloted or have operating examples of multidisciplinary teams, the specific models of care may differ based on region, healthcare environment, clinical availability and capability, and patient need; these factors also help determine which discipline is the team lead.  

Additionally, the implementation and effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams varies depending on factors such as resources, leadership, and collaboration between healthcare professionals. 

Further Learning:

Watch our free Kickstarter webinar to understand why multidisciplinary teams will become important to your practice in the near future: Australian Health Reform: What it means for you and your practice.

Further Reading:

Read our blog: The Fundamentals of Multidisciplinary Teams here.