Description
In this presentation, Tim Petheram, a Northumbria Arthroplasty Surgeon, discusses the structure and importance of Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) in managing complex cases of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). He emphasizes that the management of infection patients requires a collaborative effort from various specialists to address the multifaceted nature of the conditions. A guidance document inspired by national surgical standards (BOAST) has been created to outline best practices and metrics for measuring success in infection management. Tim outlines the composition of an effective MDT, which includes surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and nurses, as well as the roles of coordinators and administrative support, advocating for regular, structured meetings to facilitate communication and decision-making. He points out the need for comprehensive documentation and good governance practices, stressing that proper coordination enhances patient care and outcomes. The presentation concludes with a call to utilize national databases for monitoring performance and to foster improved MDT functionality within hospitals and regions.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-221707