Abstract
Background/Objectives: Multidisciplinary teams (MDT's) and effective team working are considered key to providing quality, patient centred care. However there is a paucity of research regarding patient perceptions of these teams including for chest diseases. This qualitative study aims to compare the differing patient perceptions of effectiveness in two disease specific teams.
Methods: 12 patients (lung cancer n=6, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease n=6) 64-84 years in contact with their respective multidisciplinary teams for 3 months or more were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Data from interviews was analysed based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Results: Several themes were identified, commonalities between teams were: 1) Doctors seen as core team members whilst other health professional consultations perceived as inferior. 2) GPs not considered part of a team. 3) Team effectiveness and morale often judged by attitude of frontline administrative staff. Differences: lung cancer participants perceived 1) Efficacy of service upon outpatient clinic waiting times. 2) A greater need for privacy during consultations and when leaving. 3) Greater awareness of MDT communication and meetings. 4) Greater awareness of nurse specialists. COPD participants 1. Aaccessibility and quicker response to request to be seen by health professional.
Conclusions: These patient groups suggest a traditionalist view of physicians providing treatment. Increasing information regarding health professional specialties, team communications and attention to psychosocial issues may increase patient satisfaction and confidence in MDTs.
- © 2011 ERS