Questions and Answers Sheet to Accompany
‘Simple Guide to Multidisciplinary Team Meetings’
Why has this guide been produced?
It is in response to requests from many practitioners who have asked for guidance on how to improve some of the MDT meetings they attend, and to learn from the local MDT meetings that are working well.
Do I have to follow this guidance?
No, this is simply a suggestion. Each MDT meeting will vary as it reflects the local needs, but we hope this help sheet will contain some useful aspects that are relevant to all.
Who has decided what is included in this guide?
Members of the Pioneer Team have collated it following a local practitioner survey focused on MDT meetings and a number of learning history interviews. There was clear and consistent feedback about what makes a MDT meeting successful. It is this feedback and discussions with GPs, who host successful MDTmeetings, whichinforms this guidance. In addition, we cross referenced it with that being published nationally.
We’ve seen national guidance, how does this fit?
The national guidance mirrors the local guide. The national guidance is a lot longer and includes more detail and references, but the basic information is the same.
We have some good ideas that work well in our MDT meeting, can we share them?
Yes please do, we are happy to update this document at any stage; please send any comments into
If my practice already runs a successful MDT meeting, do we need to change?
No, this is simply a guide for you to use if parts or all of it is helpful.
Is this for Living Well MDT meetings only?
It has been developed in response to the Living Well programme, but the basic principles can apply to any MDT meeting.
Who is expected to set up and run MDT meetings?
It is anticipated that the majority of MDT meetings will be based around a GP practice, as this reflects the move towards developing integrated care teams. MDT meetings are often described as a core element in developing and sustaining the relationships and working practices required within an integrated care team.
ManyGP practices already have MDT meetings. This document aims to share aspects that work, to get the most out of existing MDT meetings or to help you plan one.
Are there any information Governance issues?
In preparing this guidance we sought advice from the KCCG information Governance lead, to address any concerns regarding the sharing of information.
To ensure that patients are happy to be discussed, consent should be sought from the individual patients prior to them being referred for discussion at an MDT meeting. It cannot be assumed that patients expect that their information will be shared with people who they do not necessarily see as part of the GP practice team, e.g. a member of voluntary sector.
For simplicity, some practices divide their meetings into different sections. For example, the first hour is for anyone on the Living Well programme, as anyone on this programme will have already given consent for their information to be discussed within the multi-organisational team. The second part of the meeting may focus on people outside the Living Well programme, and the non-health practitioners may leave at this point.
Is there any support for setting up or improving MDT meetings?
Yes, we can offer a variety of support. We can offer a health practitioner to attend your MDT meeting as an observer to offer constructive feedback, or as a facilitator to help chair the meeting. We can also connect you up with a practice that is running a particularly successful MDT meeting. Just e-mail Lucy at .
If there is a need we can arrange for additional training and support as required.
Q & A to Accompany MDT Meeting Guidance 16.12.14 Jenny Atkinson