Engaging a Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Your Consumer’s Care Can Have Many Significant and Profound Health and Wellness Benefits.
What is a Multi-Disciplinary Team?
A group of health professionals, known as a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), collaborate to assist consumers. They bring their individual skills and perspectives to the table. The team works together to provide comprehensive care and support. Their combined efforts aim to improve the well-being of the consumers.
Why is a Multi-Disciplinary Team Important?
Multi-disciplinary clinical teams work together to help consumers access comprehensive health care services across a range of allied health disciplines. By working together, they can give more thorough assessments and recommendations, maintain health benefits, and reduce direct care needs. Additionally, therapist with understanding of a multi-disciplinary approach, can notify case managers and other family members of issues of concern. This approach improves care outcomes and health literacy for consumers.
How Does Plena Healthcare Implement a Multi-Disciplinary Team?
Plena Healthcare supports using a team of different allied health professionals to help older people. Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Dietitians, and Podiatrists work together to provide the best care. They meet regularly to discuss how to help in the best way possible. This collaboration between team members results in consumers receiving higher levels of care and clinical outcomes.
Case Study
An example of where the multi-disciplinary team approach has resulted in excellent care outcomes can be highlighted by Betty’s* story.
Betty was referred to Plena Healthcare to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist, as it was felt she needed mobility equipment, assistive technology, and modifications in her home to enable her to live safely.
Following her OT assessment mobility equipment was recommended, as well as several small pieces of assistive technology for use in her home.
During the assessment, Betty mentioned she used to enjoy walking to the local shops and bowls club but had recently stopped due to a lack of strength, balance, and confidence. It was also observed that Betty’s outdoor shoes were damaged and lacked support and that her foot care was poor.
Plena’s Occupational Therapist completed an internal case conference with their colleagues, sharing what they saw during their visit with Betty. At this meeting, it was agreed that Betty would benefit from an assessment from the physiotherapy and podiatry teams.
Betty’s case manager was contacted, and the clinical recommendations were shared with them. The recommendations included physiotherapy to help Betty with her strength, balance and mobility, helping her to re-access her local community. As an added benefit, the home modifications that were previously recommended may no longer be needed, thanks to Betty’s improved mobility. Additionally, by seeing a Podiatrist, Betty’s foot care and footwear could be assessed, and recommendations could be made for suitable and safe choices that provide better support and improve her balance on uneven surfaces.
Following the consultation between the case manager, Betty and her family, Betty was seen by Plena’s local physiotherapist and podiatrist, who were able to make recommendations for her care.
12 weeks later, Betty mentioned to her physiotherapist that she often coughed and gagged when eating, particularly with certain foods.
Plena’s Physiotherapist completed an internal case assessment to recommend Betty be assessed by a Speech Pathologist. Betty’s case manager and family were happy to proceed with the recommendation for a swallowing assessment and tailored mealtime management plan. They were grateful the Plena physiotherapist identified this risk so that Betty could continue to enjoy safe mealtimes.
Plena Healthcare offers a range of care services for our clients. Check the clinical reports from your team for recommendations on how a multi-disciplinary approach can benefit your aged care clients. Contact us if you think this approach would be helpful for their long-term care.
*name has been changed for privacy reasons
