Information Sharing at Multidisciplinary Medical Team Meetings

Results of a study of multidisciplinary medical team meetings (MDTMs) are presented, with focus on information presentation, collaboration, sharing and decision-making issues. The MDTM forum is shown to be an important juncture in the patient care pathway where prior work is reviewed, future work is planned, and decisions are made by consensus. It is shown that while all participants perceive that they benefit from their attendance, the benefit for most active participants is directly proportional to their contribution. Record keeping of the decision agreed and the basis for that decision poses a challenge, particularly in the context of electronic patient record (EPR) keeping. This study also reveals the multi-faceted nature of the event and the fact that new knowledge is generated during the meetings. In addition to its main function in patient management, the MDTM has an educational role and fulfils hospital functions in planning and co-ordination of service delivery. These findings are analysed in terms of their implications for the information sharing needs of participants according to their roles; and requirements for technology support at individual, group and organisational levels are discussed.