Improving Multidisciplinary Team Working to Support Integrated Care for People with Frailty Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) working is essential to optimise and integrate services for people who are frail. MDTs require collaboration. Many health and social care professionals have not received formal training in collaborative working. This study investigated MDT training designed to help participants deliver integrated care for frail individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers utilised a semi-structured analytical framework to support observations of the training sessions and analyse the results of two surveys designed to assess the training process and its impact on participants knowledge and skills. 115 participants from 5 Primary Care Networks in London attended the training. Trainers utilised a video of a patient pathway, encouraged discussion of it, and demonstrated the use of evidence-based tools for patient needs assessment and care planning. Participants were encouraged to critique the patient pathway, reflect on their own experiences of planning and providing patient care. 38% of participants completed a pre-training survey, 47% a post-training survey. Significant improvement in knowledge and skills were reported including understanding roles in contributing to MDT working, confidence to speak in MDT meetings, using a range of evidence-based clinical tools for comprehensive assessment and care planning. Greater levels of autonomy, resilience, and support for MDT working were reported. Training proved effective; it could be scaled up and adopted to other settings.

Drivers and barriers to promoting self-care in individuals living with multimorbidity: a cross-sectional online survey of health and care professionals

“…Some studies identified the need for more H&CP disease-specific training alongside training to support self-care (10,32). This highlights the need to explore more opportunities to promote truly integrated care approaches by developing training and care resources with greater involvement from multidisciplinary teams and patients who live with multimorbidity (33,34). This approach can help embed learning and best practice so that patient experience and services can be improved to account for what matters most to service users (33,34).…”

Assessing the Impact of Multidisciplinary Collaboration on Quality of Life in Older Patients Receiving Primary Care: Cross Sectional Study

“…These challenges can include chronic diseases, mobility issues, mental health conditions, and social isolation, all of which can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL) [31]. Multidisciplinary teams are well equipped to address these diverse needs by integrating medical care with psychological support, rehabilitation services, and social interventions [32]. This comprehensive approach not only helps in managing the complex health issues more effectively but also supports the overall wellbeing of older patients, enhancing their quality of life and promoting independence [33].…”