Multidisciplinary work, multidisciplinary team

Putting the patient at the centre of their care is a fundamental principle of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. It is generally recognized as being an effective model for delivering individualized care to patients with complex needs and is promoted in a growing number of local and national policies and best practice guidelines, in a wide range of clinical specialities. While clinical staff seem clear on the assumed benefits of MDT working, there is surprisingly little written about its clinical effectiveness. This chapter briefly explores some of the challenges presented to effective MDT working within the acute mental health inpatient ward. The key principles and characteristics of MDT working are described with an exploration of the key roles and functions within the MDT and their application to acute mental health inpatients wards.