Care planning and case conferencing. Building effective multidisciplinary teams.
BACKGROUND
The new Medicare items that cover care plans and multidisciplinary case conferences for patients with complex and chronic medical conditions have introduced new challenges in primary health care. General practitioners may be required to develop new skills if they are to work effectively with other professionals and carers where health is not their only priority.


OBJECTIVE
This paper reports briefly on findings from a particular research project into the key factors that contribute to effective multidisciplinary teams. Principles from this research that can be applied to GPs being involved in multidisciplinary care plans and case conferences will be examined.


CONCLUSIONS
Key factors discussed include the importance of efficiency, flexibility, an holistic view of the patient, communication and personal and professional characteristics that contribute to a successful outcome in multidisciplinary patient care.
Davis
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Centre for Developmental Disability Health,Monash University Suite 202 3 Chester St, Oakleigh 3266 Victoria. robert.davis@med.monash.edu.au
Thurecht
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D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration