Cabrini Research Annual Report 2020-21
Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDM) – providing best cancer management for our patients Cabrini is the largest private provider of cancer care in Australia. At Cabrini, MDMs play a vital role in treatment planning and managing cancer effectively. A diverse, highly-skilled and dedicated team of healthcare professionals including medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, respiratory physicians, radiologists, pathologists, physiotherapists, nurses and counsellors come together and discuss individualised care plans for every patient in every cancer stream at Cabrini. We provide personalised multidisciplinary care, from diagnosis to treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. Our decision-making is guided by our patients and their individual needs and preferences. Our collaborative team approach to cancer treatment ensures continuity of care throughout the patient’s cancer journey. The benefits of multidisciplinary care include: • Shorter time frames from diagnosis to treatment • Improved coordination of care • Improved treatment planning • Improved communication and sharing of information • Identification of patient supportive care needs and other factors which may impact treatment and care
Melissa Vereker, Breast Cancer MDM Coordinator, and Cabrini Breast Cancer Database Manager.
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Amanda Samarasinghe, MDM Coordinator for haematology, lung, melanoma/skin, neuro-oncology, upper gastrointestinal hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer.
• Recruitment for clinical trials and cancer research projects • Clinical data captured during MDT meetings is used for clinical audit, quality improvement, service planning and research • Educational opportunities for healthcare professionals
MDM stages Pre MDM – As much clinical data as possible is captured to ensure the case preparation teams are well informed. Case preparation teams include radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, nurses/nurse coordinators and allied health professionals. During the MDM – A team of healthcare professionals including medical oncologists, surgeons, relevant specialty physicians, radiologists, pathologists, nurses and allied health professionals come together to review each case. Post MDM – The agreed treatment plan is communicated to Cabrini medical records and Cabrini clinical systems. A copy of the treatment plan is also sent to the treating clinician’s private rooms.
Our decision-making is guided by our patients and their individual needs and preferences. Our collaborative team approach to cancer treatment ensures continuity of care throughout the patient's cancer journey.
