Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 117

Multidisciplinary Team

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a good understanding of each professional’s role;
an agreement on the lead professional’s role;
communication that is current among all practitioners;
sharing of information among practitioners;
collective decision making whenever it is appropriate;
effective leadership while understanding that this is a demanding role;
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• familiarity with the term ‘shared culture’ amongst practitioners, something
that is currently lacking and needs effort to build.

So what are the characteristics of a MDT?
1. Identifies a leader who establishes a clear direction for the team, while
listening and providing support and supervision to the team members.
2. Incorporates a set of values that clearly provides direction for the team’s
service provision; these values should be visible and consistently portrayed.
3. Demonstrates a team culture and interdisciplinary atmosphere of trust
where contributions are valued and consensus is fostered.
4. Ensures appropriate processes and infrastructures are in place to uphold
the vision of the service.
5. Promotes role interdependence while respecting individual roles and
autonomy.

How a Multidisciplinary Team delivers better
experience for clients
For patients and clients with complex needs or needs that require the services
of more than one agency, department or professional, the experience of a
coordinated response, advice and guidance from the team will enable them
to make more informed decisions. The patient or client will have a more
seamless experience in that the care, support and relationship with the
professionals are holistically connected as one piece and not as multiple
transactions. Now that we know that multidisciplinary work works, we should
make effort to make it a more regular approach despite the hard work. It is a

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