Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 114

Multidisciplinary Team

What is meant by ‘Multidisciplinary’?
There are several dictionary definitions of the term “multidisciplinary”. One
particular definition states that it is ‘composed of or combining several
usually separate branches of learning or field of expertise’. In the context of
health care and medicines management, this refers to bringing together the
knowledge and expertise of healthcare professionals and staff from different
backgrounds.
However, there is much more to multidisciplinary team work than putting a
group of people together. The idea is that different professional groups will
do more than just perform their own professional activities in a shared work
space; the emphasis is on working together to deliver a co-ordinated service
to patients or the individuals and their families.
In good multidisciplinary work, there is leadership most of the time and
decision making is usually derived through deliberation as a team and in the
interest of the patient or client. There is respect for professional expertise
which is applied in a plan. And there is clarity about each agency’s roles.
People with multiple and complex needs frequently have needs that transcend
established professional and organisational boundaries. They benefit from
an effective ‘whole-person’ approach even as they transit from adolescence
to young adulthood and between adult social care and residential care.

Examples of Multidisciplinary teams
Community Mental Health Teams
The community mental health team is widely regarded as the model for
all multidisciplinary teams. The teams usually comprise social workers and
community psychiatric nurses and other professionals such as occupational
therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists.

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