Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Página 113

Multidisciplinary Team

The composition of the MDT is dynamic - professionals who are part of the
team may vary depending on needs and availability. There is no standard
template for who is to be included in the MDT. Professional titles may vary
between agencies and the MDT members will vary depending on each
client or patient’s individual needs and will change as the condition or illness
progresses.
Likewise, the MDT is formed in areas of special needs, protection and social
care depending on the needs of the individual. In situations where protection
is a concern, the involvement of the police, emergency workers and guardians
entrusted with authoritative powers are necessary.
The team will work closely with and involve the person and the caregiver
or family. The team is there to build a good relationship, agree on the
intervention goal and support the individual and the family in whatever
way care is required, so that everyone involved feels comfortable to discuss
any problems that arise. The aim of the MDT is to minimise the impact the
illness or special need has on daily activities. The team will work with the
individual and the family to improve aspects of activities for living, coping and
functioning. In essence, it is about care and support to help such individuals
through everyday living.
As clients and their care givers have social and emotional concerns, it is
especially necessary for social workers to provide inputs in these areas. This
is to ensure that medical or therapeutic issues do not crowd out what will
contribute to the social well being of the clients. It is also necessary for the
leader of the MDT to facilitate the contribution of junior members in the
team as they bring with them their specialist training. In the areas of disability
and elder care, it is useful to pay attention to the social work interventio ns
that will enable the client to be integrated into living in a home and family
environment.

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