Roles and Responsibilities of Key Professionals on Multidisciplinary Teams

Multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) include several professionals from diverse fields who work together with the shared goal of meeting the individual patient’s needs.
Doctors typically lead MDTs. They diagnose illness, prescribe medication, and make referrals to other health professionals as required. They provide overall guidance to the care plan based on their medical knowledge and expertise.
Nurses are crucial to MDTs. They’re are often the primary caregivers who administer medication, monitor health, and provide essential emotional support. They also contribute valuable information to care plan development.
Social workers help patients navigate social and economic barriers to their health and well-being. They connect patients with resources, support families, and advocate for patient rights and needs within the broader healthcare system.
Occupational therapists help individuals recover skills needed for daily living and work. They develop a rehabilitation plan and coordinate with other team members to integrate it into the overall care plan.
Physiotherapists assess and treat physical disabilities, using techniques such as exercise, massage and electrotherapy, to improve or restore movement and functions.
Psychologists support mental health. They provide counselling, conduct psychotherapy, and implement behavioral interventions. Their insights into a patient’s mental state are instrumental in shaping care plans.
Dietitians provide nutritional counseling and education. They help patients manage diet-related illnesses or changes in diet due to medication or treatment.
Pharmacists manage medication usage. They ensure that prescriptions do not interact negatively with one another and counsel patients on the proper use and potential side effects of their medications.
All of these professionals communicate and collaborate effectively among themselves and with the patient, to ensure a well-coordinated and comprehensive approach to care. The patient’s needs, preferences and understanding always remain central to discussions and decisions.
Professionals in MDTs also abide by a specific ethical code which is based on autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. They prioritize patient confidentiality and regularly participate in ongoing education and training to maintain their professional competence.
MDTs follow a comprehensive care plan, which is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the patient’s condition or circumstances. This is intended to ensure that patients get the required treatment at the right time and that care is continuous and consistent.
The overall aim of MDTs is to provide patient-centered care, integrating various expertise to meet physical, mental, social, and environmental needs of individuals.