The Importance of Multidisciplinary Teams in Mental Health Care

Within the realm of mental health care, the role of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) cannot be overstated. This essay explores the significance of MDTs in the context of mental health care, shedding light on the various factors that can either bolster or hinder the effectiveness of such teams. Drawing from a real-life experience during my two-week placement at a local mental health day hospital, this reflective essay delves into the dynamics of MDTs, their composition, advantages, disadvantages, and their impact on patient outcomes.

Composition of Mental Health Teams

Mental health teams encompass a diverse group of professionals, each contributing their unique expertise to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health issues. These teams typically consist of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers. Additionally, other specialists like family therapists, psychotherapists, and counselors may also be involved in patient care (Perkins & Repper, 1998).

The rationale behind multidisciplinary involvement in mental health nursing lies in the fact that individuals with mental health problems often have complex and multifaceted needs.

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As a result, a range of expertise is essential to address these needs effectively (Darby et al., 1999).

The Concept of Multidisciplinary Mental Health Teams

Multidisciplinary mental health teams can be defined as a collective of practitioners with diverse professional backgrounds, employed by various agencies, who convene regularly to coordinate their efforts in delivering services to one or more clients within a defined area (Ovretveit, 1993, as cited in Onyett, 2003). This collaborative approach aims to ensure that a holistic view of each patient's problems is obtained, enabling the use of an appropriately planned range of treatments (Onyett, 2003).

Despite the evident advantages of MDTs, there are also challenges associated with their functioning. Problems may arise when different professionals work together, such as unclear goals, a lack of direction, and issues related to leadership (Darby et al., 1999).

Reflective Process Using Gibbs' Model

To structure this reflection, Gibbs' (1988) reflective model is employed, which aids in examining a situation while considering thoughts and emotions at the time of the incident. Reflective skills facilitate a critical analysis of the situation and can inform future professional responses (Burns et al., 1997).

For the purpose of this reflection, the patient will be referred to as "Kate" to preserve her confidentiality, in accordance with the NMC (2002) Code of Professional Conduct.

Description

Kate, a 66-year-old retired nurse, had been living alone for seven years following her husband's passing. She was referred to the day hospital by her doctor due to an 18-month history of memory problems. During her six-week assessment at the day hospital, Kate exhibited repetitive behaviors, fabricated stories, showed disorientation, poor concentration, and severe short-term memory impairment. A mental health assessment indicated a potential diagnosis of moderate dementia, a condition that affects around ten percent of individuals over the age of sixty-five (Newell & Gournay, 2000).

An MDT meeting was convened to discuss the necessary care plan for Kate, enabling her to continue living safely at home. The meeting, chaired by the consultant, involved a thorough review of Kate's medical history and the concerns raised by both Kate and her son. The consensus was that Kate could benefit from medication to address her memory issues.

The community psychiatric nurse (CPN) presented the son's concerns, which included Kate wandering at inappropriate times, forgetting to eat, and neglecting household safety measures. The occupational therapist proposed an assessment of Kate's home environment to ensure her safety. The social worker raised the possibility of home care services. However, the mental health nurse, who was well-acquainted with Kate, expressed concerns about her frequent absence from home.

The team decided to arrange a case meeting involving Kate's son, with the hope that he could ensure Kate's adherence to medication and encourage her to stay at home until the arrival of carers. If this approach proved ineffective, or if other issues arose, they would reconvene at a future MDT meeting to address them.

Feelings

My participation in the MDT meeting was marked by a strong sense of acceptance and comfort. The atmosphere was congenial and inclusive, fostering active participation from all team members. I felt that my contributions would have been valued had I possessed a deeper understanding of the patient's history. It was evident that effective communication within the team was paramount, as it played a pivotal role in the decision-making process (Perkins & Repper, 1998).

Evaluation

The MDT demonstrated remarkable teamwork and shared dedication to Kate's well-being. The team engaged in comprehensive discussions, considering various options and anticipating potential challenges. They also planned for future meetings to assess the suitability of the care plan. Observing this MDT in action was both fascinating and enlightening, highlighting the synergy between different disciplines. With the collaborative support of Kate's son and the MDT, it is hoped that Kate can continue living safely at home for as long as possible.

However, a significant concern lies in Kate's frequent absence from home, which could undermine the effectiveness of the care plan. In such cases, the consideration of residential care may become necessary in the future.

Analysis

This particular mental health team functioned exceptionally well, with the consultant serving as a capable leader during the meeting. Onyett (2003) emphasizes the importance of a clear team leader in enhancing team effectiveness.

The NMC (2002) emphasizes the importance of nurses collaborating with healthcare professionals and recognizing and respecting their contributions within the care team. Kate's case exemplifies the successful collaboration of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals in breaking down barriers to provide the most appropriate care for the individual.

It is crucial to acknowledge that Kate's illness not only affects her but also has a profound impact on her family members. This underscores the need for a case meeting with her son to explore different options and ensure the best course of action (Darby et al., 1999).

Kate's tendency to wander off poses a challenging ethical dilemma, as it involves balancing the individual's autonomy and desires with the healthcare professionals' duty of care to ensure her safety (Perkins & Repper, 1998).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MDT meeting involving Kate illustrates the pivotal role of clear leadership and effective communication within a multidisciplinary team. These elements are essential to achieving a shared understanding of patient needs and ensuring that the team is well-equipped to address individual challenges. Teamwork lies at the core of mental health nursing and can significantly influence the success or failure of patient care and treatment. A well-functioning MDT has the potential to yield positive outcomes for both the patient and their family, both in the present and in the future.

Action Plan

If I encounter a similar situation in the future, I will be more confident in participating actively in an MDT meeting. This experience has underscored the critical importance of teamwork and effective communication in shaping the outcomes of care plans. To address this learning need, I will collaborate closely with my mentor and other members of multidisciplinary teams, in addition to reading relevant literature. As a student, I recognize that there is much more to learn, and with time and experience, coupled with the guidance of my mentors, I can expand my knowledge and understanding of how different disciplines collaborate in the healthcare setting.