Multi disciplinary team (MDT) approach
Karuna Care London is being developed on the principle that no single professional, however skilled, can fully meet a person’s needs in isolation. Many adults who require support have a mix of health, emotional, social and practical needs that are best understood and addressed when people work together. Our multi disciplinary team (MDT) approach is designed to bring the right professionals, and where appropriate families and representatives, into structured conversations about each resident’s support.
What we mean by an MDT
An MDT is a group of people who each bring their own expertise and perspective to planning and reviewing care. For residents at Karuna Care London, this will usually include:
- The Registered Manager (subject to CQC approval) or a senior member of staff
- The resident’s key worker and, where relevant, other support staff who know them well
- The local authority social worker or care manager
- Relevant health professionals, for example the GP, community nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist or mental health practitioner
- Family members or legal representatives, where the resident wishes them to be involved or where they have a formal decision making role
- Advocates, where appointed
The purpose of bringing this group together is to share information, agree plans and coordinate actions so that support is consistent, safe and person centred.
When MDT working will be used
Once the service is operational, MDT approaches will be used at key points in a resident’s time with us, including:
- Before admission, where there are complex needs or risks and a joint decision is needed about suitability
- Shortly after admission, for example at a six week review, to check how the placement is settling and to make any necessary adjustments
- At regular care plan review points, to look at progress, changes in need and future goals
- When there are significant changes in health, behaviour or circumstances, such as a deterioration, hospital admission or safeguarding concern
- When decisions are needed under the Mental Capacity Act, for example about serious medical treatment or changes in accommodation
In these situations, we expect the MDT to identify issues early, explore options and agree responses in a coordinated way rather than in separate, unconnected conversations.
How MDT discussions will work
MDT discussions may take place as face to face meetings, video calls or structured case discussions, depending on the circumstances and the professionals involved. Whatever the format, we will ensure that:
- The resident’s views, wishes and preferences are central to the discussion, as far as they are able and willing to express them
- Information from different professionals is shared clearly and respectfully, avoiding jargon where possible
- Areas of agreement and any differences of opinion are recorded
- Specific actions are identified, with clear responsibilities and timescales
- Outcomes are written into the care and support plan, risk assessments or health plans as appropriate
- Where the resident lacks capacity to make particular decisions, MDT discussions will follow Mental Capacity Act principles, including best interests decision making and involvement of those with legal authority, such as attorneys or deputies.
Involving residents, families and representatives
We recognise that MDT language and meetings can feel formal or intimidating. We will therefore make a deliberate effort to ensure that residents and, where appropriate, their families or representatives:
- Are invited to attend or contribute to MDT discussions in ways that feel manageable for them
- Receive information in clear, accessible language, with opportunities to ask questions
- Understand what decisions are being considered and how they can express their views
- Are offered support from staff, interpreters or advocates where needed to participate fully
- Where a resident prefers not to attend, or would find the meeting overwhelming, their views will be gathered in advance and fed into the discussion, and the outcome will be explained to them afterwards in a way they can understand.
- Information sharing and confidentiality
- Effective MDT working depends on appropriate information sharing. Karuna Care London will share relevant information with MDT members in line with data protection law, professional codes and local safeguarding guidance. This means:
- Seeking the resident’s consent to share information wherever they have capacity and it is appropriate to do so
- Sharing information without consent only where there is a legal or safeguarding justification, for example to prevent serious harm
- Recording what information has been shared, with whom, and for what purpose
- Ensuring that written records of MDT meetings are stored securely and are available to those who need them to deliver or oversee care
We will be transparent with residents and families about what information is shared and why, and will answer questions about how their information is used.
Link with quality, safety and governance
MDT working is part of our broader quality and governance framework. Lessons and themes from MDT discussions will inform:
- Updates to individual care plans and risk assessments
- Training needs for staff, for example where patterns of risk or complexity emerge
- Service level audits and quality improvement work
- Communication with commissioners, regulators and safeguarding teams where systemic issues are identified
By using MDT approaches consistently, we aim to reduce the risk of important information being missed, to avoid contradictory advice and to ensure that responsibilities are clear when complex situations arise.
Regulatory status
Karuna Care London is currently progressing through registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and is not yet open to residents. The MDT approach described on this page reflects our intended way of working and will be implemented once CQC registration and all necessary approvals have been granted.