Design Decisions for Cutting-Edge Cancer Centers

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February 23, 2021

Knowledge

Healing

By Douglas Abrams

Team and meeting management. Availability of patient information. Workload. All of these components are driving factors in the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach to cancer care delivery. However, to make this collaboration work, facility managers need to help carve out the proper space.

Formulated in the mid-1980s, the multi-disciplinary oncology approach enlists the cooperation between different specialized professionals involved in cancer care. That group could include nurse navigators, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, chemotherapy and infusion specialists, physician assistants, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, chaplains, psychotherapists, massage therapists and meditation therapists.

Today, the approach continues to be a critical part of the treatment approach to cancer patients, as more cancer centers continue to turn to the model to improve coordination, communication, and decision-making between healthcare team members and patients.

A focused team of caregivers that communicates with each other, with patients, as well as the patient’s family members is better suited to formulate treatments that are customized to specific conditions and needs of each patient.

Quality care with positive outcomes is the primary focus of the cancer patient. In the patient’s mind, the Multi-Disciplinary Care approach with providers working in partnership is thought to contribute to that goal.

Design Decisions for Cutting-Edge Cancer Centers