Patients’ perspectives on participation in patient-initiated multidisciplinary team meetings – a qualitative study
Josephine Sandell Casper, Annesofie Lunde Jensen, Mikkel Aagaard, Trine Boje Møller, Steen Bønløkke Pedersen, Charlotte Gjørup PedersenBackground
Patients with multimorbidity often face fragmented treatments. Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus has introduced an intervention for outpatients to initiate and participate in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings with specialists from various clinics, intended to potentially improve care coordination and treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and perspectives of patients with multimorbidity regarding their participation in patient-initiated MDT meetings.
Methods
Data were gathered from 16 semi-structured interviews with patients who initiated and participated in MDT meetings. The study used Interpretive Description as the methodology and Janet K. Shim’s concept of Cultural Health Capital as the theoretical framework.
Results
Analysis identified three main themes: Group Composition, including sub-themes on Content of the Conversation and Familiarity with Specialists; Communication and Decision-Making Involvement; and Post-MDT Meeting Reflections and Outcomes. Participants found the meetings effective in addressing issues with specialist coordination and medication. The majority reported satisfaction with the dialogue and their involvement, though the specialist composition did not always meet expectations.
Conclusion
Patient-initiated MDT meetings have the potential to improve collaboration between patients and specialists, reduce concerns, and provide patients with greater security. For effectiveness, meetings should address issues across multiple specialties, with clear alignment of expectations and information. Medication review was highly prioritized by patients and should be given higher priority beyond the MDT framework. Additional research is needed to explore how patients with severe, complex, and multidisciplinary treatment needs can be encouraged to participate in MDT meetings or similar forums, tailored to their specific requirements.