Toolkit Document

Question 1

Six Enablers for MDT Success

Answer 1

• Planning + Design
• Skill Mix + Learning
• Culture
• Shared Goals + Objectives
• Working Across Boundaries
• Communication

Question 2

Context of MDTs

Answer 2

• Healthcare Complexity (Increasing Care complexity, coordination challenges
• Address workforces gaps + improve care quality by leveraging various professional skills
• Align with policy initiatives like NHS England’s New Care Models
• The NHS People Plan + establishment of Integrated Care Systems support MDT development

Question 3

Defining an MDT

Answer 3

Includes professionals from various disciplines united by a common goal, whether for
- Patient care
- Role Development
- Pathway design

Question 4

Flexibility for MDTs

Answer 4

No fixed structure for MDTs; they vary based on context + may include service users + carers. Success depends on adaptability

Question 5

SCIE Aspiriations

Answer 5

• Enhance understanding + trust between team members
• Provide holistic, personalised care
• Use resources efficiently through reduced duplication + preventive care

Question 6

Principles of Effective MDTs - Michael West’s Principles

Answer 6

• Clear Objectives - Shared understanding of collective goals
• Interdependent Working - Close collaboration, communication + coordinated efforts
• Regular Meetings - To review performance + improve team dynamics
• Team development - effective teams are innovative

Question 7

Six Enablers for MDT Success - Planning + Design

Answer 7

Centre efforts around the patient, use models like the HEE Star, + involve communities in service design

Question 8

Six Enablers for MDT Success - Skill Mix + Learning

Answer 8

Define roles clearly, support team members with training, + promote inter-professional learning

Question 9

Six Enablers for MDT Success - Culture

Answer 9

Foster psychological safety, provide wellbeing support + use organisational development strategies

Question 10

Six Enablers for MDT Success - Shared Goals + Objectives

Answer 10

Align team members with clear goals, involve patients in co-design, + establish governance structures

Question 11

Six Enablers for MDT Success - Working Across Boundaries

Answer 11

Encourage co-location when possible, use technology for data sharing, + manage roles flexibly

Question 12

Six Enablers for MDT Success - Communication

Answer 12

Prioritise effective communication, plan methods ahead, + ensure transparency within the team + organisation

Question 13

Purpose of Toolkit

Answer 13

Provides a guide for implementing a ‘one workforce’ approach, which integrates health + social care teams to improve patient care across clinical pathways
Complies existing evidence to support greater collaboration; complementing current frameworks + policies like the NHS Long Term Plan

Question 14

Challenges in Implementing MDTs

Answer 14

Rationale for Change - Establishing a shared purpose is essential. Teams must align with values + local strategies to motivate members
Commitment: Changes should be relevant to patient care, not just cost-saving measures, to gain team support

Question 15

Further Challenges in Implementing MDTs

Answer 15

Time investment - Building relationships, developing collagen