It is clear that the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting lies at the centre of the new methods of management for cancer patients and is fundamental in achieving the Improving Outcomes Guidance.

The multidisciplinary teams have been endorsed as the principle mechanism for ensuring that all the relevant disciplines and professional groups contribute to and participate in decisions on clinical management of all appropriate patients, as indicated in the Manual of Cancer Standards. The development of multidisciplinary working systems has simplified some of the referral processes between professionals and has improved communication to all relevant parties.

The purpose of this Multidisciplinary Team Resource Guide is to provide some practical advice to be used by clinical teams who are setting up or already running an MDT meeting.

The Guide puts forward 12 questions based upon the requirements of the Manual of Cancer Standards and offers as answers some examples of service improvement case studies, resources and possible options to be considered.

We are indebted to those who have contributed to this document by sharing their experience, examples of service improvement and resources contained in the guide

Key Aims

• To offer support to those setting up a multidisciplinary team meeting in line with the Manual of Cancer Standards.
• To link the development of a multidisciplinary team meeting with the requirements of peer review.
• To illustrate and spread some of the good practice and service improvement already established.
• To offer some suggestions for consideration when looking for alternative ways of multidisciplinary team working.