1. Concepts and theoretical frameworks

Early parts of the course are likely to focus on knowing about multi-disciplinary team working.

Learner outcomes:

  • Clear and consistent usage of terminology and definitions - developing a common language
  • Recognition of the importance of multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working with the patient at the centre - valuing the contribution of self and others
  • Understanding of the scope of practice for own role - knowing your capabilities and limits
  • Understanding of the scope of practice of, and interaction with, other members within a typical MDT - knowing the capabilities and limits of others
  • Recognising common misconceptions - avoiding miscommunication.
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Session ideas:

Map the journey

Framing from a patient journey perspective: use flow charts to clearly illustrate the patient journey, in a variety of settings. 

Benefit: helps to contextualise the value of multidisciplinary teamworking and improve understanding of the interplay of different roles. 

 

Invited speakers

Guest lectures: invite professionals from different fields to visit and explain their role in patient care.

Benefit: Provides real-life examples and insights into how MDTs operate.

 

What do you do?

Role identification exercise:  provide students with a list of healthcare roles and ask them to explain how each might collaborate with an optometrist or dispensing optician.

Benefit: highlights the interconnected nature of eye care within the broader healthcare system and the importance of MDTs.

 

MDT in action

Escape room challenge: Give learners a scenario where a patient has multiple health concerns. Ask learners to solve challenges related to diagnosis, referrals and treatment coordination to “unlock” the next stage. 

Benefit: Demonstrates the importance of collaboration and problem-solving in MDTs.

At this stage:

Consider including sessions that:

  • Clarify the roles and scope of practice of the learner including in different environments and experience/qualification level
  • Outline the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare professionals
  • Explore the definitions, concepts and examples of MDTs
  • Define what a good MDT looks like, the  importance, expectations and aims
  • Highlight real-world examples where multidisciplinary teams have succeeded
  • Establish where barriers exist and discuss benefits and challenges of working in diverse teams.