Development, implementation, and evaluation of an intervention to improve multidisciplinary communication about complex patients.

Background: Complex patients require multidisciplinary input for optimal care, but this can lead to fragmented care. This project aimed to improve multidisciplinary communication, care coordination, and patient satisfaction in primary care clinics.

Methods: Multidisciplinary team meetings focused on discussing complex patients over six months. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed changes in communication and satisfaction among healthcare providers and staff. Patient surveys evaluated their satisfaction with care. The generated action items at multidisciplinary meetings, such as new referrals, were categorized to evaluate the impact on care coordination.

Results: Post-intervention surveys showed positive responses regarding improved teamwork, communication, and patient care, but ongoing challenges in the selection of patients and team meeting participants. On average, there were 2.3 new referrals per patient, indicating enhanced care coordination.

Conclusions: Multidisciplinary team meetings showed promise in enhancing communication, care coordination, and staff satisfaction. Ongoing refinement and assessment are necessary to optimize their feasibility and effectiveness over a longer time period.