The origins of the site-specific cancer multidisciplinary team

1. ▪ In 1991 the UK Department of Health consultative document ‘The Health of the Nation’ concluded that cancer accounted for 25% of all deaths, and that death and ill health from cancer should be reduced. ▪ In 1995 the Calman-Hine report took this further, setting out that ‘all patients should have access to a uniformly high quality of care … wherever they may live.’ This was the origin of the term‘postcode lottery’ in relation to cancer care.

2. ▪ In 1997 the NICE Clinical Outcomes Guidelines (COG) for colorectal cancer suggested that there were ‘significant variations both in process and outcomes of colorectal cancer care across the country’ recommending that treatment of cancers should be carried out by ‘a coordinated team with particular interest and expertise in this field‘.

3. ▪ In 2000, the NHS Cancer Plan was published, stating that ‘every patient diagnosed with cancer will benefit from pre-planned care’ and that this care should be ‘delivered by specialist teams in line with evidence on best practice’.

The cancer multidisciplinary team aims to bring together cancer diagnosticians and those involved in cancer treatment and patient support to discuss the diagnostics and all aspects of care of each cancer patient.

Specific responsibilities of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) are to:

1. ▪ Agree appropriate membership and ensure attendance.

2. ▪ Develop systems that collect and present all the relevant information needed for decision making.

3. ▪ Ensure that the care of every cancer patient is discussed at MDT meetings.

4. ▪ Record the decisions that are made.

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