Head and neck MDT
Multidisciplinary team (MDT) care is when healthcare professionals from a range of specialities come together to deliver comprehensive care that addresses the individual needs of a patient. Research has shown that an MDT approach to cancer care improves patient outcomes. MDT care is a key feature of Dr Ch’ng’s approach to the management of head and neck cancers.
Who is on the head and neck MDT?
There are many options for treating head and neck cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and medical therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy). Most people with head and neck cancer receive more than one type of treatment.
The head and neck MDT brings together healthcare professionals with expertise in these different areas of treatment, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, speech pathologists, dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and nurse specialists.
What does the head and neck MDT discuss?
Dr Ch’ng is part of an MDT that meets weekly to discuss the best treatment plan for different patients. When recommending a treatment plan, the MDT will consider:
- the type and size of the cancer, and whether it has spread
- the patient’s general health
- national treatment guidelines for the cancer in question
- whether there is an appropriate clinical trial for the patient
- patient preference, family and social situation.
Following the MDT, Dr Ch’ng will discuss treatment options with her patients.
What are the benefits of MDT care?
Being managed by an MDT means that a patient is more likely to:
• receive accurate diagnosis and staging
• be offered a choice of treatments decided by a group of experts, rather than by one doctor
• receive better coordination and continuity of care through all stages of the cancer
• be treated in line with locally agreed policies and national guidelines
• be offered appropriate and consistent information.
In addition, the head and neck MDT may offer patients the chance to participate in clinical trials involving newly developed therapies that would not be available otherwise.
Get in touch
If you’d like to know more about our head and neck, plastic or skin cancer surgical services, or if you have a question for Dr Ch’ng, we’d love to hear from you.
